I222701

Mentor: Dr. Wioletta Czaja, Department of Genetics

Postdoctoral position in DNA repair, Genome Stability and Molecular Biology of Cancer

This position is in the laboratory of DNA Repair and Genome Stability investigating fundamental processes involved in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The position seeks a dedicated, innovation-driven individual interested in multi-disciplinary approaches and collaborative research addressing mechanisms of DNA damage and repair in cancer development and treatment. The focus is on epigenetic, chromatin-based regulation of DNA repair pathways and development of new, genomic methodologies enabling genome-wide profiling of mutagenic and carcinogenic DNA adducts. Additional projects involve studying the interplay between inflammation and DNA repair in the context of skin carcinogenesis. The position provides access to state-of-the art, modern research laboratory equipment, and offers unique opportunity of getting involved in multiple, collaborative research projects.  

Requirements:

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related Biomedical Sciences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong background in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry. Experience in cancer cell biology, biological computation/informatics, gene expression, epigenetics, molecular carcinogenesis, chemoprevention, cancer therapeutics or other areas of cancer research is preferred. Prior experience using mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques is preferred. A background in chromatin biology, genome stability maintenance, DNA repair, next generation DNA sequencing and bioinformatics is preferred.

Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to work independently with minimal oversight from PI. Ability to effectively manage research projects. Strategic planning, prioritization and goal setting are required. Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and ability to excel in rapidly evolving cancer research environment. Demonstrated scientific productivity, and strong publication record. Ability and interests in preparing and submitting competitive fellowship applications.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The position entails working on multiple projects at any given time. Participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of research studies. Training and supervising students and laboratory personnel.  Project leadership involving independent experimental design, strategic planning, execution, data analysis, interpretation, preparation of scientific figures, manuscripts, presentations.

Start date: Year-round hiring, depending on individual circumstances. Single-year contract, renewable depending on achievements. We strongly encourage applicants who are willing to stay for at least two years and publish their research results in major journals.

Salary: Salary is commensurate with the NIH and UAB guidelines for Postdoctoral researchers. Coming with fellowship funding is always a plus.

Work environment:

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a part of the University of Alabama System, is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center with more than $600 million in research awards annually, as well as Alabama’s largest single employer, with some 23,000 employees, and has an annual economic impact exceeding $7 billion on the state. The pillars of UAB’s mission include education, research, innovation and economic development, community engagement, and patient care. In 2021, Forbes named UAB as America’s No. 1 Best Large Employer, topping a list of more than 500 public and private corporations, hospitals, universities, Fortune 500 companies and more, across dozens of industries. Forbes also named UAB America's Best Employer for Diversity among colleges and universities in 2021.

UAB Medicine is the third largest public academic medical center in the country, with more than 1,900 beds and almost 18,000 employees. UAB Hospital is the centerpiece of the UAB Health System and is the teaching hospital for the UAB School of Medicine. Situated among major research centers and clinics, UAB Hospital provides patients with a complete range of primary and specialty care services, as well as the most up-to-date treatments and innovations in health care. In addition to UAB Hospital, UAB Medicine includes The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, as well as several primary and specialty care clinics, a dozen member and affiliate hospitals within Alabama, more than 10 cancer associates in the Southeast, and the Viva Health HMO.

Located in the heart of the Southeast, Birmingham is a short drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Chattanooga, New Orleans, Memphis and Gulf Coast beaches. Some of the most beautiful suburbs in the United States surround the city. With its picturesque surroundings, Birmingham has been recognized as an “All American City”, one of the top ten American cities to live and work, and one of the top ten entrepreneurial and job growth hot spots in America. The combination of pleasant weather, geography, diverse culture, activities, and lifestyle make this city a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and practice medicine.

About our Postdoc Office UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits. About the University The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings. Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with over 26,000 employees and has an annual state-wide economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 14 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and 10 UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2018-2019 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, exceeding $527 million in FY18, including $320 million in NIH funding for FY18. UAB ranks 31st among all universities in federal research funding and 15th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 20th among all universities in NIH funding and eighth among public universities. The UAB School of Medicine is ranked 21st among medical schools in NIH funding and eighth among public medical schools. UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity, and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans. For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (https://www.uab.edu/dei/), call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103

Applications: Interested candidates should send their CV, names and contact details of 2-3 referees, and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.