Postdoctoral and Graduate Opportunities

Tumor-Microenvironment & AI (TumorAI) lab (AviSahuAI.com) at UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center seeks two postdoctoral researchers in AI and computational biology to join our interdisciplinary team. The lab focuses on improving cancer treatments by developing novel diagnostic methods and utilizing AI and statistical approaches. Our team is dedicated to developing computational approaches for drugs and gene targets by interfacing immuno-oncology with AI/statistical approaches. 

Postdoctoral researchers will develop independent research projects aligning with our mission and contribute to ongoing projects in developing computational approaches for: 1) personalized approaches for targeting tumor heterogeneity, 2) new immunotherapeutic targets and agents by targeting tumor immune microenvironment, and 3) statistical analysis of single cell data. We offer interdisciplinary mentorship in oncology and immunology from Cancer Center researchers, and in AI and statistics from leaders from Harvard. Our lab has extensive expertise in obtaining Young investigator grants from NIH, Foundations, and Pharma and Tech companies. UNMCCC is a leader in this part of the country with a track record of junior researchers obtaining NCI grants. Postdoc researchers will be trained and encouraged to apply for grants and fellowships (e.g. Michelson Prize, NIH K, Burroughs Welcome Foundation ) to advancing their careers. 

Responsibilities

• Learning and developing AI and statistical approaches for cancer research
• Analyzing clinical and genomic data
• Contributing to research publications and grants. Learn and apply for career development grants.
• Attending relevant workshops to develop computational biology, bioinformatics, and computational immunology skills.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, engineering, physics, data sciences, or a related field OR PhD life sciences, biology, immunology, or a related field with computational training.
• Experience in data analysis with computational data tools (R, Python).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a 1-page research interest in TumorAI lab to Avi Sahu at asahu@salud.unm.edu. Let's make a difference together, join us in mission to fight cancer through AI.  

Visit AviSahuAI.com for more job opportunities.

Join the laboratory of Dr. Shuguang Leng, MBBS PhD. Successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator to develop several molecular and genomic epidemiological projects focusing on the ethnic disparity of hepatocellular cancers and host-environment interaction for lung aging in multiethnic populations in the Southwestern United States. Specifically, the position will develop laboratory–based biomarker assays and genetic and genomic methods related to cancer that are applicable to human specimens for assessing specific hypotheses. Will also conduct bed- to benchside translational studies by performing independent research investigating the mechanisms underlying the associations observed at the population level. Successful candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in other key components of molecular epidemiological studies including biospecimen collection, processing and storage, primary data collection, development of analytical plans, and interpretation of epidemiological and genetic and genomic data.

This position requires a PhD in molecular epidemiology or a closely related field with strong practical experience in molecular or cellular biology and a proven record of peer-reviewed first-authorship publications. PhDs in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology who have motivation to conduct translational research are also encouraged to apply. Candidate must have excellent work ethics, scientific integrity, and collaborative attitude.

Salary is commensurate with experience and is based upon the NIH Ruth Kirschenstein Postdoctoral Fellow Scale.

To Apply

Send a Curriculum Vitae, including a list of three references to Dr. Shuguang Leng using “application for a postdoctoral researcher position” on the subject line.

Shuguang Leng, PhD
Assistant Professor
Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center

Phone: (505) 272-9897
E-mail: sleng@salud.unm.edu

Postdoctoral Training in

Molecular Genetics, Transcriptional Regulation, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Leukemogenesis and Stem Cell Biology

NIH-funded post-doctoral positions are available immediately for qualified and highly motivated individuals interested in the study of transcriptional regulation in normal and cancer cells, using a combination of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and genomics approaches. This work involves many aspects of modern molecular and cellular biology including biochemical methods such as the study of protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, genome-wide approaches such as chromatin immunoprecipitation, ChIP on Chip assays and gene expression profiling and translational studies such as high-throughput screening assays and the analysis of clinical samples. This is an outstanding training opportunity for individuals interested in applying biochemical, molecular biology and cell biology techniques to the study of human leukemia. We are especially interested in individuals who wish to combine laboratory and bioinformatics approaches.

Note: Training grant-eligible applicants (U.S citizens or permanent residents) are greatly preferred.

Qualifications

Ideal applicants will be recent recipients of a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics or a related field with a record of peer-reviewed publications.  Excellent speaking and writing skills are essential.  Although these positions are funded, applicants should be willing and able to apply for individual post-doctoral fellowships and will be expected to participate in and contribute to a highly interactive research environment.

Institution

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a result of a major expansion which led to a 10-fold increase in NIH-funded research, UNM HSC hosts an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), a Spatio-Temporal Modeling Center and an NIH Roadmap-funded high throughput molecular screening center. The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program has more than 120 PhD students working in laboratories from five divisions. Shared facilities include flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics and bioinformatics. Nearby institutions include the UNM main campus including Departments of Biology and Chemistry and School of Engineering and Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute. The nearby Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs fuel many projects related to engineering or requiring massive computing power.

Surroundings

Albuquerque is in the high desert, between 5,000 and 6,000 ft above sea level and offers an outstanding arid climate with over 300 sunny days per year. It was recently ranked by Kiplinger magazine as #3 amongst 50 smart places to live in the U.S. and offers nearby hiking, mountain biking, skiing, camping, fly fishing and many other outdoor activities.

Apply

Interested individuals should send a statement of research interests, and a current C.V. to:

Scott Ness, PhD

Department of Internal Medicine
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
MSC08 4630
1 University of New Mexico
2325 Camino de Salud NE, CRF 121
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001 USA
tel: (505) 272-9883
e-mail: sness@salud.unm.edu

Description

Postdoctoral position is available immediately to investigate mechanisms of target organ metastatic specificity, notably to brain. Specifically, unique scientific opportunities are presented for deciphering the biology and therapeutic utilities of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) directly isolated and characterized from cancer patients - “seeds" of fatal metastatic disease.  Positions relate to highly relevant and innovative programs of translational cancer biology using cutting-edge concepts and technologies.

Postdoctoral Fellows will be responsible implementing programs in the cell, molecular and translational biology of CTC metastatic specificity interplaying with dormancy and quiescence; involving the use of human CTCs/cell lines, pre-clinical CDX models and clinical samples reflective of disease status.

Qualifications

The successful candidates will have a PhD degree in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology or related field. Candidate may be recent PhD recipients or individuals seeking additional postdoctoral training. Strong preference will be given to individuals with a proven track record of productivity.  Extensive state-of-the-art CTC platforms, technologies and know-how are available in a well-funded and well-run laboratory.

Candidates must possess:

• Intellectual curiosity in a highly-focused scientific environment and a profound motivation to succeed as a scientist in a highly-focused scientific environment;
• A strong laboratory experience with penetrating knowledge of cell/molecular biology techniques, proficiency with animal experimentation, bioimaging, and strong abilities to work independently with self-initiative, pro-active thinking and action;
• Highest work ethic and scientific integrity.

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with research experience and background they are based upon the NIH Ruth Kirschenstein Postdoctoral Fellow Scale.

Inquiries

Please send inquiries, including a Curriculum Vitae, and arrange for three letters of References (e-mails are OK) to be sent to:

Dario Marchetti, PhD
Professor, Division of Molecular Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
Phone: (505) 272-7937
E-mail: dmarchetti@salud.unm.edu

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented and enthusiastic graduate student to join our team as a graduate research assistant (GRA). The GRA will work on multiple innovative research studies focused on health services research to enhance cancer screenings in American Indian communities in New Mexico. This includes testing the efficacy of graded intensity interventions on screenings, implementing evidence-based interventions on clinical outcomes and implementing and resting cognitive/behavioral interventions. These studies seek to increase cancer screenings and examine cost effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The position will also work directly with UNMCCC staff and faculty in addition to community research partners. The GRA will be appointed for one year at 20 hours a week. Health insurance, tuition, and fees will be covered.

Role and responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and assist in manuscript preparation
• Assist with qualitative data collection and analysis
• Data entry and scanning using SNAP software
• Attend and participate in project meetings
• Support project coordination
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate student interested in gaining experience in community-based cancer control research
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Completion of human subjects training (CITI)
• Knowledge of MS Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with qualitative research and software (NVivo)
• Currently pursuing a graduate degree in a STEM-H field
• Experience and knowledge of population health research methods, data collection and analysis

How to apply:

Positions for the Fall 2021 semester and Spring 2022 semester are available. Interested candidates should email their resume to Judith Sheche, JuSheche@salud.unm.edu.

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to participate in a variety of projects concerning cancer risk reduction, screening determinants, multilevel/multicomponent behavioral interventions, and cancer epidemiology. The candidate will be encouraged to develop independent projects along these lines of research.

Dr. Shiraz Mishra, Leader of the Cancer Control and Population Science research program at the UNMCCC, will supervise the postdoctoral work. We seek a candidate with background and interests that complement existing strengths in:

1. cancer health disparities;
2. social/environmental determinants of health;
3. multilevel behavioral interventions;
4. indigenous health;
5. health services research;
6. behavioral and social science methodologies (e.g., mixed methods research, implementation research, big data analytics); and
7. rural health.

 Responsibilities

1. Design community-based participatory, clinical, and epidemiological research studies
2. Collaborate on developing study strategies, methods, and designs
3. Conduct quantitative or qualitative data analyses and interpret study findings
4. Write manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and research reports
5. Assist with grant development and writing
6. Disseminate research findings through conference presentations

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified individuals must have completed a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in health services research, behavioral science, epidemiology, public health, or related field. The position requires excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills. History of working with indigenous populations, peer-reviewed publications, and analytical skills for large datasets are preferred. Applicant must be proficient in SAS, Stata, R, or equivalent statistical package.

Qualified individuals must be a US citizen or have permanent resident status. Women, minorities, and candidates from other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter (describing training and research experience), full CV, and a list of at least three references (with contact information) to:

Judith Sheche
Research Scientist
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
1-505-272-2274
JuSheche@salud.unm.edu

A new position is available for an experienced postdoctoral fellow in the Adams Lab (unmhealth.org/cancer/research/programs/labs/adams.html) in the Cancer Therapeutics Research Program at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

See the position description, key responsibilities, qualifications, and application instructions.

A postdoctoral position is available immediately to investigate novel immunotherapy platforms for cancer. Specifically, unique scientific opportunities are presented for preclinical studies to evaluate autologous or nanoparticle based cancer  vaccines across multiple cancer types. To facilitate clinical translation of our vaccine platforms, the employee will evaluate the preclinical efficacy of combination therapies with chemotherapy or immune checkpoint blockade. Validation of human cancer vaccines will be performed in humanized mouse model of ovarian cancer, with MRI-PET imaging of tumor burden and therapeutic response. Positions relate to highly relevant and innovative programs of translational materials science and immunotherapy using cutting-edge concepts and technologies.

Candidates must possess:

• Intellectual curiosity in a highly-focused scientific environment;
• A strong laboratory background with knowledge of cell biology or immunology techniques, proficiency with animal experimentation, bioimaging, microscopy, flow cytometry;
• Strong abilities to work independently with self-initiative, pro-active thinking and action;
• High work ethic and scientific integrity

This position requires a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Materials Science, Biology, Immunology or a closely related field with a proven record of peer-reviewed first-authorship publications. Motivation to conduct translational research is strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary is commensurate with experience and is based upon the NIH Ruth Kirschenstein Postdoctoral Fellow Scale.

To apply, send a Curriculum Vitae, including a list of three references to Dr. Rita Serda, rserda@salud.unm.edu, using “application for a postdoctoral researcher position” on the subject line.

Our laboratory is interested in investigating the genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumor stem-like cells that initiate and sustain the growth of the most aggressive brain tumor in adults, i.e. glioblastoma. We integrate genomic measurements with phenotypic analysis and use this information to gain mechanistic insights into the development of therapeutic resistance.

If you have recently defended your PhD thesis, are interested in translational research,  and have a basic understanding of flow cytometry and experience with molecular biology and tissue culture work, please send your CV with a description of your previous research and arrange for three letters of references to be sent to:

Dr. Sara G.M. Piccirillo, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Dpt. Cell Biology and Physiology
Member, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Email: SPiccirillo@salud.unm.edu

Review of the applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.