Post-doctoral Fellow - Cell Cycle & Cancer Biology (R. Pezza) : Oklahoma City, OK, United States

A postdoctoral fellowship is available in the laboratory of Dr. Roberto Pezza in the Cell Cycle & Cancer Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Our laboratory studies the mechanisms of recombination and the epigenetic regulation double-strand break repair. We focus in chromatin-remodeling proteins and their action on mitotic and meiotic DNA damage response, with a major focus on the SWI/SNF (PBAF) and NURD chromatin remodeling complex and its relationship to cancers and the origin of birth defects. Research in our laboratory uses cell culture and mice models to discover the mechanism by whichSWI/SNF complexes acts as a tumor suppressor, and participate to promote the formation of recombination intermediates in meiosis. Our work will have an important impact in determining the epigenetic origin of malignant cell transformation and common causes of homologous chromosomes segregation errors, the later which are the leading cause of spontaneous abortions and birth defects associated with aneuploidy.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or Ph.D./M.D.

Candidates should have recently earned/expect to earn a Ph.D. or with previous postdoc experience, and have published in competitive peer-reviewed journals.

Minimum Degree Required:
Doctorate

Preferred Qualifications:
We seek an ambitious postdoctoral scientist with a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, and especially with experience in epigenetic studies, including ChIP-seq and ChiP-qPCR analysis. Currently there are several projects ongoing in the laboratory involving the use of a variety of unique model systems that have been engineered in the lab including mouse models and cell lines as well as the use of deep sequencing and cytological and biochemical-based assays.

Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand, use manual dexterity, talk or hear; Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms; occasionally sit; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, or rodent dander. May work with toxic, caustic chemicals, radioactive materials, liquid nitrogen, human tissue or blood. Potential risk of electrical shock. Occasional exposure to cold 4C, and/or extreme cold -80C from freezers. Noise level is usually moderate.