Postdoctoral Associate : New Haven, CT, United States

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Ryan Jensen, Associate Professor at Yale University School of Medicine in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology. Our lab studies how DNA repair,DNA damage signaling, and genomic instability intersect and contribute to tumorigenesis. We are focused on DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair in human cells with current projects centered on homology-directed repair (HDR) of DSBs. Our current areas of interest include: (1) deciphering the role of the human breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA2) in homologous recombination and DNAreplication, (2) mechanistic approaches to understand RAD51 paralog functions, and (3) the molecular events that underlie tumorigenesis due to mutations in BRCA1/2 and the RAD51 paralogs. The proposed research will encompass biochemical, genetic, and cell biological analyses of proteins involved in DNA DSBrepair. Potential projects include: analyzing tumor-associated missense mutations in the full length BRCA2 protein, mechanistic studies to understand how BRCA2 and RAD51 process PARP trapped lesions, examining post-translational modifications and novel protein interactions with BRCA2 after DNA damage, genetic screens, and structure/function studies. Experience with mammalian cell culture and protein purification is a plus. Recent doctoral graduates are encouraged to apply.

Yale University and the Yale Cancer Center provide a rich and dynamic environment for studying DNA repair and we collaborate extensively both within our own institution and externally. Our lab and department are dedicated to providing exemplary scientific opportunities supporting and enhancing the career prospects of postdoctoral associates. These resources include a highly active Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and several opportunities for networking and interacting with colleagues in our field including attendance at local and international meetings. Collaborative projects in our lab span the areas of single molecule biophysics, super resolution microscopy, genomics, and proteomics. We are looking for motivated candidates who are creative and passionate about their research and the potential impact our findings can have on novel therapeutic strategies for cancer. Candidates should send a CV, a cover letter describing prior research experience, contact information for three references, and a brief research plan to ryan.jensen@yale.edu. For further information, please visit:

https://medicine.yale.edu/therapeuticradiology/research/radiobiology/people/ryan_jensen-4.profile