Postdoctoral Fellowships: Early Diagnosis and Precision Oncology of Gastrointestinal Cancers

We currently have multiple postdoctoral fellowship positions within the multidisciplinary research team headed by Dr. Ajay Goel, professor and founding chair of the Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics and associate director of basic sciences at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer. Our multidisciplinary research group comprises basic researchers, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, and bioinformaticians, undertaking several collaborative projects involving large international consortia. Our research is focused on translational research on the genomic and epigenomic characterization of various gastrointestinal cancers (GI), including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, esophageal, and hepatocellular cancers. Our group performs cutting-edge research in GI oncology, is very productive, and publishes in high-impact journals such as Gastroenterology, Cancer Cell, PNAS, JAMA Oncology, JNCI, Clinical Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Annals of Surgery, etc.

Some of the key research topics in our laboratory include:

1. Development of cell-free DNA (mutation and methylation), RNA, and exosomal-based liquid assays for early cancer detection, prognosis, and predictive responses to chemotherapies and targeted drugs.
2. Study the genetic and epigenetic basis of GI cancers (e.g., aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs).
3. The genetic basis of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) and familial/hereditary colorectal cancer.
4. The role of extracellular vesicles/exosomes in cancer pathogenesis and their role as disease biomarkers.
5. The role of the tumor microenvironment, stem cells, immune regulation, and identification of novel targeted therapies.
6. Cancer preventive and adjunctive role of natural and integrative therapy approaches.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Devise, plan, document, and advance basic science and translational projects in genetics, epigenetics, and precision oncology of gastrointestinal cancers.
• Generate data for grant applications and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Work closely with other team members and external collaborators, including presenting progress internally or externally.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Train and supervise technical staff.

Qualifications: Basic education, experience, and skills required for consideration:

• Ph.D., MD, or MD/Ph.D., with a strong background and profound knowledge in oncology, cancer biology, immunology, or immunotherapy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment and manage multiple projects and collaborations.
• Previous experience working with human specimens and developing novel, innovative cancer biomarkers.
• Evidence of scientific rigor and excellence as documented by high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• The individual must have effective skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, and problem-solving and be adaptable to changes in technological and scientific directions
• Commitment to the program for at least 2-3 years.

Additional Information:

• You will have the unique possibility to drive research towards a novel cancer therapy at the interface of science and translation to the clinic and publish high-impact journals.
• Please send your current CV/resume to ajgoel@coh.org, along with a cover letter highlighting your research accomplishments, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.

Your application should include the following in a single PDF:

• Curriculum Vitae and coordinates of three scientific mentors or references
• A cover letter highlighting your research interests, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.

The City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.