Research Postdoctoral Fellow - Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations

A Brief Overview

Assume responsibility for an on-going, innovative research project as a Postdoctoral Fellow at CHOP. Our postdoc experience will broaden your skillset, scientific background, and research capabilities.

About the Laboratory

The Kalish Lab studies how genetic and epigenetic alterations lead to overgrowth syndromes. This work focuses largely on patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and understanding the transition from normal growth to overgrowth to tumor formation. BWS is the most common cancer predisposition and growth disorder that leads to cancer in children. Children with BWS can develop overgrowth of a number of different organs and in some cases develop tumors, most commonly hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) and/or Wilms tumor (kidney cancer). Some of the same genetic and epigenetic changes that cause BWS are also seen in other types of cancer; therefore studying BWS is a window into understanding the larger questions about growth and the transition to cancer.

The Kalish Lab focuses on improving clinical care for children with BWS through clinical and translational research. The lab oversees the BWS registry and biorepository and its work uses clinical data and samples to understand the transition between normal growth, overgrowth, and cancer.The lab's clinical research focuses on improving care for the clinical features of BWS and understanding the correlations between those manifestations. Through this work the lab continues to develop national management guidelines for BWS. Its translational research focuses on how the epigenetic and genetic changes lead to the features of BWS including overgrowth and cancer, with goals of understanding these mechanisms and developing therapeutics.

https://www.research.chop.edu/kalish-laboratory

The postdoctoral fellow will, under the direction/guidance of a mentor (principal investigator), assume responsibility for a specific, on-going research project.The postdoc experience will serve to extend, refine and enhance skills necessary for professional and career development, and will enable the individual to broaden his/her scientific background by acquiring new research capabilities. It is expected that this individual will conduct independent scholarly research, and will contribute directly to the overall research goals of the project and the research group.Postdocs will be expected to participate in project planning, recording and interpretation/evaluation of data, and communication of results. Postdocs will also be expected to acquire technical, lab management, and manuscript/grant writing skills; and participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentations at national meetings.Postdoctoral fellows also may be required to supervise junior lab members, develop new methods and protocols for research, and assist with the development of other research projects in the lab.

Dr. Kalish is seeking a postdoc with a background in molecular biology, and with cell culturing experience. We are seeking candidates who have at least 1 first author publication.

JOB SPECIFIC STANDARDS:

• Conduct independent scholarly research and develop new methods and protocols
• Participate in project planning, recording and evaluation of data
• Acquire technical, lab management and grant writing skills
• Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentation at national meetings
• Supervise junior lab members
• Assist with other research projects

CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project planning, recording, and evaluation of data.

• Conduct independent scholarly research, developing new methods and protocols under the guidance of a mentor (principal investigator).

• Acquire technical, lab management, and grant writing skills.

• Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions, national presentations, and professional workshops.

• Supervise junior lab members.

• Assist with other research projects as needed.

Education

• Required: Doctorate