Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics - ALK2

The Bell laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate committed to research into the molecular underpinnings of uterine cancer. The overarching goal of the laboratory is to identify pathogenic driver genes that underlie the development of the most clinically aggressive forms of endometrial cancer. Our research entails the functional annotation of somatic mutations in candidate driver genes previously identified by next generation sequencing of endometrial tumor tissues. Specifically, the successful applicant will apply detailed molecular, biochemical and cellular approaches to functionally evaluate somatic mutations in the ALK2 (ACVR1) receptor tyrosine kinase. The goals are to discriminate driver mutations from passenger mutations and to assess the potential druggability of driver mutations. Access to extensive core facilities including cores in bioinformatics, microarrays, copy number analysis, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and a transgenic mouse core, offers the trainee wide latitude in the design and pursuit of their research questions. Extensive career development opportunities are available through the NHGRI Intramural Training Office and the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education. The Intramural Research Program is on the Bethesda campus and offers a wide array of training opportunities for scientists early in their careers. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.

Successful candidates should have a Ph.D., or be very close to obtaining it, and ideally have less than two years of postdoctoral experience. Applicants should have a strong background in cancer research, as well as proven expertise in molecular/cellular biology and biochemistry. A demonstrated record of scientific accomplishment evidenced by at least one first-author paper, a strong work ethic, and strong intellectual commitments to cancer research and to the individual research project, are essential. The successful candidate should possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and stellar communication skills with fluency in both spoken and written English.