A fully funded Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the Gonatopoulos-Pournatzis Lab (Functional Transcriptomics Section, RNA Biology Laboratory) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI/CCR/NIH) in Frederick, MD.
Our group develops and applies cutting-edge functional genomics and CRISPR screening platforms to systematically dissect the regulation and biological roles of alternative splicing in health and disease, with a strong focus on cancer. We integrate exon-level perturbations with bulk and single-cell transcriptomics and phenotypic profiling to uncover splicing-dependent mechanisms and vulnerabilities.
Recent advances in our group include genome-scale exon perturbation studies (Molecular Cell, PMID: 38917794; Nature Communications, PMID: 41633991) that identify exons essential for cell fitness and influence gene expression or cell-cycle dynamics through single-cell transcriptomic integration. We are also developing and applying genetic tools to dissect splicing regulation and mechanisms (Molecular Cell, PMID: 41475346). For more information, please visit our lab webpage.
We offer a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art core facilities, strong collaborative networks, and opportunities for scientific independence. NIH postdoctoral support includes competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance and other benefits, as well as extensive professional development resources. Frederick, MD is within driving distance of Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Bethesda.
Required Skills
• PhD or MD/PhD (or expected completion soon) in RNA biology, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or related fields.
• Strong research productivity and interest in RNA biology/functional genomics demonstrated by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• No more than one year of postdoctoral experience; senior graduate students are welcome to apply.
• Ability to independently drive your project.
• Strong English written and verbal communication skills.
About the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 220 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation ...of insights from bench to bedside. Read more about CCR, the benefits of working at CCR and hear from our staff on their CCR experiences.
Frederick
Frederick is one of the largest cities in Maryland but retains a “small town” feel, surrounded by mountain views with a vibrant Main Street community. The city offers outstanding schools, a balanced and thriving economy and a highly educated workforce.
