UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description Summary

The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a growing research program focused on understanding how epigenetic alterations drive cancer progression and therapeutic response.

Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms by which loss of the chromatin regulator SETD2 promotes kidney cancer development through altered mitochondrial biology, innate immune signaling, and tumor-immune interactions. We recently identified a novel therapeutic vulnerability in SETD2-deficient tumors involving mitochondrial DNA leakage, cGAS-STING activation, and BCL-XL dependency, providing new opportunities for targeted and immune-based therapies (Cancer Research 2026, PMID: 42060867). Current projects integrate cancer biology, immunology, functional genomics, advanced microscopy, and preclinical mouse models to develop next-generation therapeutic strategies for solid tumors.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead independent projects while working in a highly collaborative environment alongside cancer biologists, immunologists, clinicians, and computational scientists. The laboratory is supported by multiple funded projects and is committed to providing strong mentorship, scientific independence, and career development.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC001032 COM PHARM Administration CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Research Areas

• Kidney cancer biology and metastasis
• Cancer epigenetics and chromatin regulation
• Mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and cellular stress responses
• cGAS-STING signaling and innate immunity
• Tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy
• CRISPR-based functional genomics
• Translational cancer therapeutics

 

 

Why Join the de Cubas Laboratory? 

The de Cubas Laboratory is committed to providing an environment where postdoctoral fellows can develop into independent scientific leaders. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to: 

• Lead innovative projects at the intersection of cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology.
• Publish impactful discoveries and present findings at major national and international meetings.
• Receive individualized mentorship tailored toward academic faculty positions, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, or translational research careers 
• Participate in grant writing, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and laboratory leadership activities 
• Develop expertise in cutting-edge approaches including functional genomics, advanced imaging, immunology, and translational cancer research.
• Access state-of-the-art resources including advanced microscopy, genomics, flow cytometry, spatial biology, and animal modeling cores within an NCI-designated Cancer Center 
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of basic scientists, physician-scientists, bioinformaticians, and translational investigators across MUSC and external institutions 
• Develop an independent scientific niche while contributing to a growing and well-supported research program focused on cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology

 

Percent Effort

Lead independent research projects and develop new scientific directions (35%)

The postdoctoral fellow will lead research projects, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation, while working collaboratively with the Principal Investigator to develop new scientific directions and publish findings.

 

Molecular, cellular, and genomic experimentation (20%)

Perform and develop advanced experimental approaches including cell culture, CRISPR gene editing, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, microscopy, functional cellular assays, molecular biology techniques, and genomic analyses. The fellow will be encouraged to establish and implement new technologies relevant to their research program. 

 

In vivo and translational studies (20%)

Design and execute mouse studies including orthotopic, syngeneic, and xenograft tumor models. Responsibilities include animal procedures, therapeutic studies, tissue collection, immune profiling, and integration of in vivo findings with mechanistic studies. 

 

Scientific communication and career development (10%)

Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, fellowship applications, and grant proposals. Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international scientific conferences. 

 

Mentorship and laboratory leadership (15%)

Contribute to the training and mentorship of graduate students, research staff, and undergraduate trainees. Assist in fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.

 

 

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

• Applicants should possess a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline. 
• Strong publication record appropriate for career stage.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

 

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: 

• Kidney cancer research
• Cancer biology
• Tumor immunology
• Epigenetics or chromatin biology
• Mitochondrial biology
• Functional genomics
• Flow cytometry
• Advanced microscopy
• Bioinformatics
• Mouse models of disease

 

Strong candidates will demonstrate scientific creativity, independence, excellent communication skills, and a strong publication record appropriate to career stage.

 

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees