Apply to join the laboratory of Professor Lukas Chavez, who studies chromatin regulation in childhood cancers at the Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in San Diego. The specific project will be in the broad area of genetics and epigenetics of childhood cancers with a focus on mechanisms of transcriptional activation of cancer genes and the role of circular extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) during the development of treatment resistance.

The project can employ state-of-the-art molecular and cellular biology approaches, including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methyl-seq and other large-scale epigenomic and chromatin analyses, including at the single-cell level and spatial “-omics” at the single cell level; high throughput chemical and RNAi/CRISPR phenotypic screens; cell imaging; state-of-the-art gene manipulations using RNAi and CRISPR technology. In addition, we routinely employ mouse models and human tissues.

San Diego is an outstanding scientific environment and a fabulous place to live.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pro-actively and semi-independently lead a project focused on chromatin and gene regulation in childhood cancers;

• Perform cell and molecular biology experiments;

• Work with mouse models of cancer;

• Generate hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, trouble shoot and optimize experiments;

• Collaborate and synergize with other members of the lab to promote lab synergies’

• Present results to lab members at weekly lab mtgs.;

• Present results and data within Sanford Burnham Prebys, local La Jolla meetings and national and international meetings, as appropriate;

• Maintain and initiate collaborations between Chavez lab and other labs in Sanford Burnham Prebys, San Diego, US and worldwide.

Education and/or Experience:

• Candidates should have, or be working towards, a PhD or equivalent degree in a biological science

• Experience and/or expertise in an aspect of cell and/or molecular biology and/or animal models is highly desired

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Knowledge of molecular biology of chromatin and/or epigenetics is ideal

• Knowledge of statistical methods applied to biology

• Computational expertise is an advantage, but not essential.

• Communicates effectively and collaborates well with Principal Investigators and their team members

• Have strong organizational and problem-solving skills

• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical and time management skills

• Excellent data presentation, communication and interpersonal skills

• Embody the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervision of graduate- and undergraduate students is required.

Compensation: : The NRSA Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Stipend ranges from $64,480 - $70,000 depending on candidates' years of experience.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law. For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals.