Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

Responsibilities

A postdoctoral position is available in the MacPherson Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The project will focus on small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a neuroendocrine tumor type that exhibits initial sensitivity to chemotherapy but invariable emergence of chemoresistance. Our lab is interested in linking specific gene mutations in SCLC to therapeutic vulnerabilities. We have developed a panel of new mouse models that can be used in this effort. With our clinical collaborators, we are also generating patient derived xenograft models of SCLC. The project will be focused on chromatin regulators in SCLC and is particularly well suited to individuals with experience or interest in epigenetics/chromatin biology and cancer. In addition to in vivo studies, the project will employ cell based screening to link specific SCLC-mutated genes to genetic vulnerabilities. The project will have a therapeutic component, testing the efficacy and molecular mechanisms underlying new potential targeted therapy for SCLC.

The candidate will lead efforts to link SCLC gene mutations to therapeutic vulnerabilities, combining in vivo studies with cell based screening and molecular analyses. The candidate should be able to drive an individual project but also be highly collaborative.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a PhD or MD and interests in cancer genetics, mouse models, epigenetics and therapeutics. A strong foundation in molecular and cell biology is essential. The candidate should be independent, enthusiastic and scientifically rigorous.