Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health. Our scientists are making research breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and children's disease. We are also at the forefront of finding solutions for emerging health threats such as COVID-19, where we are working to identify drugs that may help millions of people. During our more than 40 year history, we have established an NCI-designated Cancer Center, designed one of the most sophisticated drug discovery centers in the nonprofit world, and created global collaborations that are leading to preventions, treatments and cures to improve human health.

A POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW position is available in the Deshpande lab at the Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute in San Diego, California to identify and characterize druggable dependencies in extremely hard-to-cure childhood tumors. The position is available under an INSTITUTIONAL T32 TRAINING PROGRAM IN CANCER TARGETS AND NEW DRUG DISCOVERY and requires US citizenship or the applicant to possess a Green Card.

The Deshpande Lab provides uses a number of highly sophisticated technologies including epigenomic and genomic methods, custom-designed CRISPR library screening, high-throughput small-molecule screens, and stem cell biology techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and deploy a diverse array of state-of-the-art technologies with the goal of identifying novel candidate therapies. To learn more about the Deshpande Lab, please visit: https://www.thedeshpandelab.com/.

Highly motivated candidates with a recent Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular biology, Genetics or relevant fields are encouraged to apply. Experience and expertise in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or mouse models of cancer is highly desired. We are seeking collaborative individuals who are detail oriented, with excellent communication and data organization skills. 

Interested candidates should submit a current CV, cover letter, contact information for 3 letters of reference, personal statement, and research statement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design and perform experiments and procedures with high degree of complexity, demonstrating increasing expertise with a wide range of techniques
• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting methods and skills according to evolving project priorities
• Provide independent experimental design and planning
• Be able to analyze and interpret data from different sources and draw relevant conclusions
• Demonstrate knowledge in relevant specialized disciplines
• Be able to present results at internal and external meetings
• Accurately document experiments
• Contribute to writing of reports and manuscripts with increasing responsibility over time
• Work collaboratively across lab functions and train other junior lab staff as needed

Required Skills Required Experience

POSTDOCTORAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
• Have a PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or doctoral equivalent
• Must be within 3 years of obtaining a PhD or equivalent

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE APPLICANT’S PERSONAL AND RESEARCH STATEMENTS:

• Background and demonstrated experience in cancer and cancer research
• Commitment to pursuing an independent cancer-focused research or research-related career, with an emphasis on supporting research in the area of cancer drug discovery and development

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• The ability to work independently and to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work in an interactive and collaborative team
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Embody the Institute's core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

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.