Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center

Job Description

Functioning somewhat independently, the Postdoctoral Associate will design, organize, and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments using established scientific protocols and procedures and, in some cases, designing new protocols; summarize findings and publish results in research journals; assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory; provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers. In Dr. Xiao-Nan Li's laboratory.

Our laboratory focuses on molecular oncology and translational experimental therapeutics with a goal of improving the outcomes of pediatric patients with malignant tumors. The laboratory has established a large panel(n>200) of patient-derived orthotopic xenografts for most types of pediatric brain tumors and continues to expand our repository to all child cancers for biological studies and drug screening with specific interest in establishing pre-clinical rationale for clinical trials of various antitumor compounds.

The Postdoctoral Associate will combine a deep biological understanding of cancer with preclinical assessment to ultimately develop new diagnostic/therapeutic strategies in close collaboration with physicians, pathologists, pharmacologists, bioinformatics and other research personnel. S/he will participate NIH-funded research projects and get comprehensive training in translational therapeutics.

Successful candidates must be highly motivated and hold a PhD and/or MD degree in the field of medicine or biomedical sciences with prior in-depth training in cancer research involving rodent animal models (xenograft) as demonstrated by publications as well as good scientific writing ability, oral communication skill and presentation.

Essential Job Functions

• Undertake a research project on laboratory seeking to establish and maintain patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse models for leukemia, brain and other solid tumors.
• Undertake research projects to understand mechanisms of actions of new chemotherapeutic agents and drug resistance involving cell and molecular biology.
• Performing high-throughput drug screening and data analysis.
• Collect, prepare and analyze research data; keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
• Participate in training of fellows, residents, students and volunteer workers as needed.
• Search pertinent scientific literature and draft/edit manuscripts.
• Assist in grant writing.
• Present data in written and oral form at local and national meetings.
• Assist with ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ph.D. in a basic or health science. MD or DDS also acceptable.
• 0 – 2 years of relevant experience in a research environment.
• A level of knowledge of cancer biology as well as cell/molecular biology is preferred.
• Experience in tissue culture techniques and in vitro assays as well as general lab skills.
• Experience in mouse handling and procedures (i.v. i.p. and gavage preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative fast-paced environment.
• Ability to successfully interact with diverse stakeholders including: clinicians, basic scientists, and translational researchers.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
• Discount purchasing program

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.