Current Postdoctoral Training Opportunities

Open Postdoctoral Training Positions

NCI-Designated Cancer Center
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Charles Spruck, Ph.D.
Program
Signal Transduction
Email Contact
cspruck@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available to work on various projects that will explore the molecular regulations of cell division control and define how alterations of these processes contribute to cancer development and progression. An emphasis of these projects will be the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and the role of protein destruction in cancer.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. and have a strong background in molecular biology techniques. Experience in the fields of DNA damage response and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis are preferred, but not required. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV and a list of at least three professional references to: Dr. Charles Spruck at cspruck@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Jorge Moscat, Ph.D.
Program
Signal Transduction
Email Contact
jmoscat@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
An exciting postdoctoral position, under the direction of Dr. Jorge Moscat, is available to study the role of signaling kinases and adapters in the control of oncogenic transformation and its impact in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming and inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Our goal is to identify potential new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Publications describing ongoing studies have appeared in for example: Mol. Cell 8, 771 (2001); Cell Metab. 3, 211 (2006); Mol. Cell 23, 631 (2006); Cell 137, 1001 (2009); Cell Metab. 12, 65 (2010); Mol. Cell 44, 134 (2011); Cell 147, 724 (2011). For more information about the lab and the work we are doing, please visit our web page: http://www.sanfordburnham.org/Talent/Pages/JorgeMoscat.aspx.
Requirements
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in this very competitive topic, and with expertise in signal transduction and molecular and cellular techniques, as well as prior experience working with mouse models. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree and a publication record demonstrating expertise in at least some of the relevant areas. Interested applicants should submit a single PDF file containing CV, a brief description of research accomplishments, interests, and career goals, and contact information (e-mail address and phone number) of three references to Dr. Jorge Moscat at jmoscat@sanfordburnham.org.

Positions are available starting immediately. Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's experience.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Organic Chemist
Principal Investigator
Marcia Dawson, Ph.D.
Program
Tumor Development
Email Contact
mdawson@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. and be experienced in multi-step natural product synthesis and characterization. Must be self-motivated and able to communicate effectively both orally and written. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV to: Dr. Marcia Dawson at mdawson@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Angiogenesis/Tumor Biology
Principal Investigator
William Stallcup, Ph.D.
Program
Tumor Microenvironment
Email Contact
stallcup@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A postdoctoral position is available to study the function of the NG2 proteoglycan in both normal and tumor vascularization, building on the existing knowledge concerning NG2 participation in pericyte/endothelial cell interaction. A primary focus will be the investigation of NG2 function in mammary tumorigenesis, using both cell culture and animal models.
Requirements
Experience with relevant models, especially the use of histology and immunocytological imaging to study vivo mammary development and tumor progression, will be especially valuable. Expertise in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry is also desirable. Candidates must have either a Ph.D. or M.D. and a publication record in one or more of the relevant areas. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV, and contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Dr. Bill Stallcup at stallcup@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
VEGF Biology in Pathophysiological Conditions
Principal Investigator
Sunyoung Lee, Ph.D.
Program
Tumor Microenvironment
Email Contact
slee@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position in vascular biology is available in Tumor Microenvironment program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Sanford-Burnham has leading multi-disciplinary collaborative research groups, which is combining traditional developmental biology and molecular cell biology approaches with cutting-edge tools from chemistry, proteomics and engineering to develop entirely new approaches to cancer therapy. The current focuses in the lab include: to investigate the mechanism by which tumor microenvironment affects tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression, to study how vascular homeostasis is maintained and to study the interaction between vascular development and organogenesis.
Requirements
A recent Ph.D. or M.D/Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology, cancer and developmental biology or biochemistry is required. Previous experience in animal work is highly desired. Good communication skills, organization skills, responsibility and an interactive team oriented attitude are also important factors. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV, a brief statement of research skills, and contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Dr. Sunyoung Lee at slee@sanfordburnham.org.

Dell E. Webb Center for Neuroscience, Aging, and Stem Cell Research
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Alexey Terskikh, Ph.D.
Program
Development & Aging
Email Contact
terskikh@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
Postdoctoral positions are available to research and study comprehensive functional analysis of neural stem cells and their niches using a model of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. The candidate should be familiar with animal handling, tissue preparation and immunofluorescent analysis and have molecular and cellular biology skills. Our research is aimed at elucidating fundamental mechanisms that regulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant discipline along with demonstrated experience in the area of proposed research. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV and a list of at least three professional references to: Dr. Alexey Terskikh at terskikh@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Alexey Terskikh, Ph.D.
Program
Development & Aging
Email Contact
terskikh@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
Postdoctoral positions are available to research and study MELK function in tumorigensis using genetic (mouse) models of glioblastoma and primary human GBM lines. The candidate should have strong background in cancer (preferably brain tumors) and have molecular and cellular biology skills. Our research is focused on studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, in particular with respect to the cancer stem cell hypothesis.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant discipline along with demonstrated experience in the area of proposed research. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV and a list of at least three professional references to: Dr. Alexey Terskikh at terskikh@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Cell and Molecular Biology of Alzheimer's Disease
Principal Investigator
Huaxi Xu, Ph.D.
Program
Neurodegenerative Disease
Email Contact
xuh@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available to study molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Our research projects involve proteolytic processing and trafficking of beta-amyloid precursor protein, regulation of beta-amyloid generation and tau phosphorylation, and identification of novel genes and genetic pathways affecting beta-amyloid metabolism.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. Outstanding candidates with expertise in cell and molecular biology are sought. Applicants with recent doctoral degrees should send their curriculum vitae contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Dr. Huaxi Xu at xuh@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Analysis of Cardiac Genes
Principal Investigator
Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D.
Program
Stem Cells and Regenerative Biology
Email Contact
rolf@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available for a candidate to study the genetic control of the heart, using primarily Drosophila as a model system. Possible projects using molecular-genetic, imaging and physiological techniques range from analysis of early cardiogenic genes to genes controlling heart function and cardiac aging to genes involved in left-right asymmetry.
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV and contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Dr. Rolf Bodmer at rolf@sanfordburnham.org.

Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position for Computational Chemist, Biologist, or Bioinformaticist
Principal Investigator
Piotr Cieplak, Ph.D.
Program
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Email Contact
pcieplak@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral Associate position is available for a skilled computational chemist, biologist or bioinformaticist in the lab of Dr. Piotr Cieplak.

This postdoctoral position is focused on development of the tools and protocols for analysis of proteolysis on proteome-wide level. The candidate will be involved in determining specificity of proteases, predicting their substrates, and analysis of various factors affecting proteolytic event such as structure, mutations, interaction with other biomolecules, and others.

The candidate will develop novel methods, extend, adapt and improve existing methods.
Requirements
Candidates will have a PhD; some knowledge of bioinformatics, statistics, machine learning methods, protein structure analysis, protein network analysis and programming experience is expected. Programming skills in Perl/Java/Html/PhP/MySQL and in creating web based tools on a UNIX platform is preferred.

Applicants are requested to submit their curriculum vitae, list of publications, description of current research experience and names and contact information for three references, preferably by email to Dr. Piotr Cieplak at pcieplak@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Niels Volkmann Ph.D.
Program
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Email Contact
niels@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Niels Volkmann, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (SBMRI), located on the Torrey Mesa in La Jolla, walking distance from Salk, Scripps, and UCSD (La Jolla, CA, USA).

Our research focuses on the development and application of approaches for structure determination of small and structurally heterogeneous macromolecules by cryo-EM (many of them helical) as well as for reconstruction and interpretation of cellular tomograms obtained by cryo-electron tomography. All work will be conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Dorit Hanein’s experimental cryo-EM group at SBMRI.
Requirements
The successful candidate should be highly motivated and have a PhD in structural biology, image processing or a related subject, good communication skills and a strong analytical mind. Preference will be given to experts in algorithm design and scientific computer programming with a proven interest in structural biology and to candidates who have excellent skills in experimental cryo-EM and application of structure determination approaches such as single-particle, helical, or tomographic reconstruction methods.

Candidates should send a CV, statement of research interest and focus, and provide the contact information for at least three professional references to Dr. Niels Volkmann, niels@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Associate
Principal Investigator
Dorit Hanein, Ph.D.
Program
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Email Contact
dorit@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Dorit Hanein, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (SBMRI), to study the structure-function correlates of multi-molecular complexes by correlative light and whole eukaryotic cell cryo-tomography or single particle cryo-microscopy. These dynamic large macromolecular assemblies are involved in the assembly and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Three-dimensional analysis in conjunction with dynamic information derived from light microscopy is combined to formulate a multi-scale model of the dynamics of these sub cellular assemblies:

Links
The lab is fully equipped for biochemistry, light microscopy, computation, and state-of-the-art electron microscopy, including a 120 keV, FEG 200 keV and (to be installed) FEG 300 keV TEMs.
Requirements
Candidates for this position will have a Ph.D. and be highly motived. A strong background in structural biology is preferred. Previous experience in electron cryo-microscopy, image analysis, or cell culture will be an advantage.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Dorit Hanein at dorit@sanfordburnham.org and include a CV, statement of research interests, and the names and e-mails of three references.

Sanford Children's Health Research Center
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease
Principal Investigator
Hudson Freeze, Ph.D.
Email Contact
hudson@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
Highly motivated postdoctoral associate needed to study molecular mechanisms of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). We showed that synergy of cytokine challenge, increased venous pressure, and loss of heparan sulfate from intestinal cells (Bode, et al JCI, 2008), all contribute to PLE. We provided an explanation for heparin therapy in PLE patients (Nature Clinical Practice, 2008). Experimental systems include cell monolayers, mucosal explants, and mouse models of PLE. Methods cover biochemical analysis of cell-surface proteins, gene expression profiling, and analysis of signaling pathways activated during PLE-inducing stress.
Requirements
Candidates with a Ph.D./M.D. and a strong background in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and routine mouse work is required. Experience in intestinal physiology, animal surgery and Glycobiology is preferred. Candidates must have good communication skills, be able to run multiple experiments, and be a creative self-starter. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV and contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Dr. Hudson Freeze at hudson@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D.
Program
Muscle Development and Regeneration
Email Contact
asacco@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Alessandra Sacco at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in La Jolla for a talented and highly motivated individual to study molecular mechanisms controlling muscle stem cell quiescence and self-renewal in the context of skeletal muscle degenerative diseases and aging (Sacco et al. Nature 2008; Sacco et al. Cell 2010).
Requirements
Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree and a strong background in cellular and molecular biology. Previous experience in the field of skeletal muscle regeneration and animal work is preferred. Successful candidates will have strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and are capable of working independently and collaboratively within the group. Interested applicants should submit a single pdf file containing curriculum vitae, a brief description of research accomplishments, a research statement (2 pages max) and the names and contact details (email and phone number) of three references, to Dr. Alessandra Sacco at asacco@sanfordburnham.org and clammer@sanfordburnham.org. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and final decision made afterwards.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Tariq Rana, Ph.D.
Program
RNA Biology
Email Contact
auncangco@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available for an individual with prior experience as biochemist and/or cell biologist. The project focuses on the investigation of the role of RNAi machinery in host-pathogen interactions and in pluripotency mechanisms in embryonic stem cells. This is a chance to be part of a stimulating and collaborative scientific environment with cutting-edge instrumentation and excellent facilities.
Requirements
Candidates with a Ph.D, good communication skills, and an interactive team oriented attitude are essential for success in our diverse laboratory. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV, a brief statement of research skills, and contact information (email address and phone number) of three references to: Alicia Uncangco at auncangco@sanfordburnham.org.
La Jolla, CA
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Position
Principal Investigator
Tariq Rana, Ph.D.
Program
RNA Biology
Email Contact
auncangco@sanfordburnham.org
Research Description
A Postdoctoral position is available immediately join a multidisciplinary team involved in design, synthesis, and activity evaluation of drugs targeting HIV-1 Vif protein (see Nature Biotechnology, 2008, 1187; and www.sanfordburnham.org/rana).
Requirements
Candidates with a Ph.D. and strong organic/medicinal chemistry and SAR/lead optimization training, good communication skills, and an interactive team oriented attitude are essential for success in our diverse laboratory. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their CV, a brief statement of research skills, and contact information of three references to: Alicia Uncangco at auncangco@sanfordburnham.org.

Diabetes and Obesity Research Center
Lake Nona, FL
Post Doctoral Associate
Dr. Xianlin Han
The post doctoral associate will use the lipidomics platform to determine the lipid changes in the brain and biofluids of animals treated with anesthetics or other reagents and identify the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the altered lipids. The post doctoral candidate will also learn multi-dimensional mass spectrometry technology platform, other lipid analysis techniques and lipid biochemistry.
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related fields. The candidate will need to draw on his/her background in mass spectrometry or lipid chemistry to study lipidomics. Additional biochemistry and/or bioinformatics background is highly desirable.
Lake Nona, FL
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Associate
Principal Investigator
Timothy Osborne, Ph.D.
Program Name
Metabolic Signalling & Disease
Email

Research Description

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona (Orlando) is an independent, not-for-profit biomedical research institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of scientific knowledge in life sciences and medicine with an emphasis on research on Diabetes and Obesity. Sanford-Burnham has recently finished building 175,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for over 300 faculty and staff. The Lake Nona/Orlando site has several outstanding technology cores for modern molecular and metabolic research, with a strong interdisciplinary collaborative approach to scientific study.

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available to study immune system regulation of mammalian lipid metabolism through cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms. Candidates must have a Ph.D. and or M.D. and must have a strong background in technical skills in the following areas: mouse metabolism and inflammation including immunological methods such as immune cell isolation, phagocytosis, apoptosis, cytokine analysis, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry as well as strong molecular and cell biology skills. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter including research accomplishments and interests, CV and names of at least three (3) references to pphelan@sanfordburnahm.org
Lake Nona, FL
Postdoctoral Training Opportunity
Postdoctoral Associate
Principal Investigator
Program Name
Metabolic Signaling & Disease
Email
Research Description
Post Doctoral Associate will perform research that will provide an opportunity to learn a variety of modern molecular biology and biophysics research including DNA, RNA and protein isolation and characterization, together with structure-function studies.  They will also learn aspects of high throughput screening. These techniques include designing novel biochemical screens that allow the identification of small molecule regulators of members of the nuclear receptor family, and X-ray crystallography and diffraction techniques that will allow to visualize how these small molecules impact the receptors.
 
Recent studies by Dr. Rastinejad’s laboratory have  made it possible for the first time to visualize intact nuclear hormone receptors in their functionally revealing complexes with DNA and portions of coactivator proteins.  Post Doc's project will involve crystallizing new orphan receptor complexes  to more fully reveal the organization of this transcription factor family in terms of domain-domain communications.   As traditional high throughput chemical screens elsewhere have failed to generate useful chemical tools for some members of this family, the post doc will design and implement novel types of screens that make use of entire receptor polypeptides, and not just the isolated ligand binding domains that were used by others in past efforts.  Goals will be to find effective molecules that act as activators and/or inhibitors of nuclear receptors and to confirm their binding mode and mechanisms of action through crystallographic studies with the full-length receptors.
Requirement
Ph.D. Candidate must have a strong background in at least one of the following areas: high throughout drug screening, cell biology, molecular biology, and/or molecular pharmacology.
Lake Nona, FL
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona (Orlando) is an independent, not-for-profit biomedical research institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of scientific knowledge in life sciences and medicine, with an emphasis on research on Diabetes and Obesity. Sanford-Burnham has recently finished building 175,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for over 300 faculty and staff. The Lake Nona/Orlando site has several outstanding technology cores for modern molecular and metabolic research, with a strong interdisciplinary collaborative approach to scientific study.

Postdoctoral Associate position available to study the regulation of intestinal nutrient absorption, gut endocrine signaling, and gastrointestinal physiology through cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms.
Dr. Tim Osborne
Program
Metabolic Signaling & Disease
Candidates must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. and must have a strong background in molecular skills associated with intestinal endocrine cell analysis and function as well as in the following technical areas: maintenance and manipulation of mouse genetic models, immunohistochemistry, as well as molecular and cell biology skills. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter including research accomplishments and interests, CV, and names of at least 3 references to pphelan@sanfordburnham.org.
Lake Nona, FL
Post Doctoral Associate
Dr. Fraydoon Rastinejad
Post Doctoral Associate will perform research that will provide an opportunity to learn a variety of modern molecular biology and biophysics research including DNA, RNA and protein isolation and characterization, together with structure-function studies.  They will also learn aspects of high throughput screening. These techniques include designing novel biochemical screens that allow the identification of small molecule regulators of members of the nuclear receptor family, and X-ray crystallography and diffraction techniques that will allow to visualize how these small molecules impact the receptors.

Recent studies by Dr. Rastinejad’s laboratory have  made it possible for the first time to visualize intact nuclear hormone receptors in their functionally revealing complexes with DNA and portions of coactivator proteins.  Post Doc's project will involve crystallizing new orphan receptor complexes  to more fully reveal the organization of this transcription factor family in terms of domain-domain communications.   As traditional high throughput chemical screens elsewhere have failed to generate useful chemical tools for some members of this family, the post doc will design and implement novel types of screens that make use of entire receptor polypeptides, and not just the isolated ligand binding domains that were used by others in past efforts.  Goals will be to find effective molecules that act as activators and/or inhibitors of nuclear receptors and to confirm their binding mode and mechanisms of action through crystallographic studies with the full-length receptors.
Ph.D. Candidate must have a strong background in at least one of the following areas: high throughout drug screening, cell biology, molecular biology, and/or molecular pharmacology.

Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics
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