Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

The Center for Genetic Diseases in the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science welcome applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct scientific research in the Lab of Dr. Weihang (Valerie) Chai. We are seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct original research to study the molecular mechanism for maintaining genome instability and regulating therapeutic resistance in cancer cells.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

We are a highly interactive team using integrated genomics, molecular/cell biology, and in vivo approaches to advance targeted cancer therapy. Additional information regarding the Chai Lab can be found at: https://weihangchai.wixsite.com/chailab

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct original research to understand the molecular mechanism for maintaining genome stability in cells and the role of replication stress in carcinogenesis.
• Participate in the development and design of research projects, protocols and experiments.
• Design, coordinate and conduct experimental procedures in the study of protein-protein interaction, protein-DNA interaction, protein modification, genome stability analysis in cancer cells.
• Independently perform research activities and data analysis.
• Work with the Principal Investigator to prepare research results and written summaries of results in manuscript form for publications and in graphics form for presentation at research meetings and for grant proposals.
• Apply for postdoc fellowships and career transition grants.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with regulatory protocols and records.
• Possibility in supervising research interns and undergraduate students.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, or other discipline related to the molecular biosciences.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cell biology.
• Record indicating outstanding abilities and potential in research; and a publication record consistent with background.
• Strong communication skills, both orally and written.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated professionalism.
• Fundamental knowledge on DNA damage response and repair.
• Molecular and Cell Biology Techniques: Cell culture, Western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation, RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9 to make knockout or knockin, Nucleic Acid isolation, agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, restriction digestion, working with retrovirus and lentivirus, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Protein analysis, etc.
• Statistical analysis, ability to use GraphPad Prism, EndNote, BioRender, Microsoft Office including Word, Powerpoint, Blast analysis, Primer design, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with studying tumorigenesis using mice is preferred. Experience with cancer immunology or colon organoids is a plus but not required.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets