Job Description

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR or RESEARCH SCIENTIST POSITION. The Plattner Lab , within the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky is seeking applications for a postdoctoral scholar or a research scientist to join an established cancer research program. The research focus of the Plattner lab is to understand how melanoma spreads throughout the body and to identify new treatment regimens to prevent or reverse resistance to conventional therapies, such as targeted therapy (BRAFi/MEKi) or immunotherapies. We are investigating intrinsic signaling mechanisms that melanoma cells utilize to proliferate, survive, metastasize, and resist the effects of therapies. We also are studying how melanomas hijack the immune system to prevent cytotoxic immune cells from eradicating the tumors. Examples of recent publications from the laboratory can be found at Nat Comm (2020) 11:5463; and Cancers (2023)15(3), 954, and we recently resubmitted a new manuscript to Nature Communications . Importantly, our research is highly translational and impactful, as it has led to a clinical trial (NCT04903119) to test the safety and initial efficacy of targeting the ABL family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases in combination with BRAFi/MEKi for treatment-refractory metastatic melanoma patients. Our research is also now expanding to understanding how pediatric gliomas harboring BRAF mutations resist the effects of BRAF inhibitors.

The Plattner laboratory is located on the 5 th floor of the newest research building, the Healthy Kentucky Research Building (HKRB), at the University of Kentucky, the newest research building on campus. The HKRB is home to researchers from the Markey Cancer Center as well as Colleges of Pharmacy, and Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology from the College of Medicine. The HKRB building is an open format building which facilitates collaboration between its members and sharing of a large amount of common equipment.

The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY. Lexington’s nickname is the “horse capitol of the world” and it is known for thoroughbred horse racing/breeding, college sports (University of Kentucky basketball and football) and is within 1-1.5h drive of larger cities, Louisville and Cincinnati. Lexington has been named one of the top US cities to live by US News and World Report, due to its low cost of living, temperate climate, college town atmosphere, stable economy, and outdoor recreation.

Job Summary. The successful applicant will work independently but in close interaction with the Principal Investigator, and other postdoctoral scholars, research scientists, graduate and undergraduate students. The applicant will be expected to make significant contributions to project development, experimental design, data collection and interpretation, and will be required to present and share their findings within the laboratory and outside the laboratory at local, national, and international conferences. The applicant will also be expected to participate and collaborate with other lab members, thereby serving as co-author on laboratory publications. The successful applicant may also be requested to take on some supervisory activities.

Job Requirements. Required. PhD in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology or other relevant field. Previous experience with molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or cell biology techniques such as western blotting, cloning, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, si/shRNA, CRISPR etc. Applicants must have experience managing an independent research project to completion, must have excellent problem solving skills, the ability to learn quickly and function independently and part of a team, and will work with a variety of people from all backgrounds and level of training.  Preferred. Experience working with mouse models of cancer and experience with techniques such as oral gavage, tail vein and i.p. injection, and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Commitment. One year position with the potential for reappointment for additional years pending sufficient grant funding and satisfactory progress.

Application. Submit a 1-2 page cover letter indicating the reasons why you are interested specifically in this laboratory, CV, and contact information for 3 references. The cover letter also should include past and current research interests and include a description of how inclusion in our research group would further your career goals.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities. 

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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