Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Sungjin Ko in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a new multi-year NIH-funded research project.

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate liver cancer and liver regeneration using in vitro systems, including stem cell-based models, and in vivo mouse models. Major research directions include: (a) examining the beneficial and detrimental roles of epithelial cellular plasticity in liver disease, including cell-of-origin mechanisms in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); (b) investigating the mechanisms underlying the transition from cholestasis to CCA; and (c) identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets for liver cancer.

We seek creative and motivated candidates with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology; an interest in developmental biology and cancer biology; experience working with animal models; and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience with RNA-seq analysis, liver biology, organoid culture, CRISPR-based approaches, or bioinformatics is desirable. Experience in stem cell biology, particularly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, as well as experience with humanized immune system mouse models, is highly preferred. The successful candidate should demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC001062 COM REG MED Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

• Essential duty (35%): 
  Develop and conduct research within the NIH-funded project under the guidance of the PI. Design, implement, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments related to liver regeneration, liver cancer, and cellular plasticity, including relevant iPSC/stem cell culture and differentiation approaches, complementary in vitro systems, and mouse models.

• Essential duty (10%): 
  Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date laboratory records, including experimental protocols, cell and sample tracking, data organization, and electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks, to support reproducibility and research compliance. 

• Essential duty (10%): 
  Support daily laboratory operations, including routine reagent preparation, maintenance and quality control of relevant cell culture systems, organization of shared resources, coordination of mouse colonies and related research activities, and general laboratory maintenance.

• Essential duty (15%): 
  Assist in training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel. Provide technical guidance, share experimental expertise, foster a collaborative environment, and help maintain high scientific and professional standards.

• Essential duty (15%): 
  Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings. Contribute substantially to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific writing, and oral presentations. 

• Essential duty (15%): 
  Work with the PI to develop research proposals and future grant applications. Pursue professional development and, as appropriate, apply for independent postdoctoral fellowship awards, including NIH, AHA, and other internal or external funding opportunities.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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