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Position Summary

The Grimes Lab at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a collaborative research program focused on hematopoiesis, response to infection, and molecular oncology.

Led by H. Leighton “Lee” Grimes, PhD, the lab investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate normal and malignant hematopoiesis, with particular emphasis on myelopoiesis, bone marrow failure syndromes, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Our goal is to uncover fundamental biological and molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases and translate those discoveries into new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Research Opportunities

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct innovative research using established and emerging approaches, including:

• Mouse models of normal and malignant hematopoiesis
• Molecular and cellular studies of hematopoietic development and differentiation
• Single-cell RNA sequencing and other advanced single-cell technologies
• Transcriptional and epigenetic profiling
• Multi-omics approaches to normal and malignant hematopoiesis
• Investigation of MDS, SCN, AML, and other bone marrow disorders
• Development and evaluation of small-molecule and RNA-based therapeutic approaches

A particular strength of the program is its integration of wet-lab experimental biology with computational and bioinformatics approaches. Through collaboration and mentorship with Nathan Salomonis, PhD, trainees have opportunities to develop expertise in analyzing complex single-cell and multi-omics datasets.

Research Environment

The Grimes Lab has a strong track record of developing and applying innovative approaches to hematopoietic biology. The laboratory has established multiple mouse models of human disease, including AML and SCN, and has contributed to advances in understanding hematopoietic differentiation, RNA splicing, epigenetic regulation, and disease-associated mutations.

In collaboration with the Salomonis Lab, the team also develops biologically focused informatics tools and workflows for the analysis and visualization of single-cell data.

Postdoctoral fellows will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that provides opportunities to build expertise in both experimental and computational research while contributing to discoveries with potential therapeutic relevance.

Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• A PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• A strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, hematology, cancer biology, immunology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in hematopoiesis, leukemia, bone marrow disorders, molecular oncology, or related areas
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Experience with mouse models, molecular biology techniques, single-cell sequencing, genomics, epigenetics, computational biology, or bioinformatics is desirable.

Training and Professional Development

The position provides opportunities to:

• Develop expertise in both wet-bench and computational approaches
• Gain experience with advanced single-cell and multi-omics technologies
• Participate in collaborative and translational research
• Present findings at scientific meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Develop scientific writing, communication, and independent research skills
• Build a foundation for an independent career in biomedical research

About the Grimes Lab

The Grimes Lab is committed to developing a comprehensive understanding of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and using those insights to identify new approaches to treating hematologic disease. The lab’s work spans basic biology, disease modeling, genomics, bioinformatics, and therapeutic development, providing postdoctoral fellows with a multidisciplinary environment for scientific training and career development.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. 
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.      
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings. Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff. Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Required:

• PhD/MD or equivalent

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability