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Job Description

Postdoctoral Scientist positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Bin Zheng, Debra Black Chair in Melanoma Research, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. We are particularly interested in candidates with solid research experience and productivity in metabolism, and/or immunology.

Our laboratory is interested in basic and translational research on metabolic regulation of anti-tumor immunity, focusing on melanoma. Our goal is to translate these findings into personalized targeted and immunotherapies, contributing to finding cures for cancer. Specific research areas include MDSC immunometabolism; metabolic heterogeneity, 3D genome organization; and AMPK signaling in cancer. Some of our recent work includes Shen et al., Nature Medicine 2016; Wu, et al., Cell 2016; Chu et al., Nature Comm. 2021; Zhao et al., Nature Metabolism 2022; Chen et al., Nature Nanotechnology; Teng et al., Nature Comm. 2025. For more information about our research and recent publications, please visit: https://researchers.cedars-sinai.edu/Bin.Zheng

Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in preparation of grant proposals. Participates in publications and presentations as author or co-author. Not responsible for generating grant funds.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• May assist in the preparation of grant proposals, but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
• May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
• Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
• May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
• Analyzes interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
• May observe MD-patient or MD-human research subject interactions as it pertains directly to research being performed.
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree (MD, PhD, VMD, or DDS) in an area directly related to the field of research specialization.
• Ability to work independently on research projects designed by a mentor or Principal Investigator within the area of specialization.
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection and analysis.
• Ability to operate and maintain specialized mechanical, medical, and/or research equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable safety standards and specialized equipment maintenance.

Recommended Preferred Skills

• Cancer metabolism / tumor metabolism
• Immunology and tumor immunology
• Immunometabolism
• Cancer biology, preferably with experience in melanoma or solid tumors
• Myeloid biology / MDSC biology (myeloid-derived suppressor cells)
• Experience studying metabolic regulation of immune responses
• Molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to cancer and immunology research
• Experience with signaling pathways, particularly AMPK or metabolic signaling
• Experience with genomics, epigenomics, or 3D genome/chromatin organization
• Experience with in vivo cancer models and/or translational research
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
• Strong ability to design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot, and work independently
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment