Postdoctoral Fellow - Andrew Dhawan Lab

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. This position is appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years.

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale

Years of Experience: Stipend for FY 2025

0: $62,232

1: $62,652

2: $63,120

3: $65,640

4: $67,824

5: $70,344

6: $72,960

7 or More: $75,564

The Dhawan Lab is seeking a motivated wet-lab scientist to lead our expansion into RNA therapeutics. This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of basic RNA discovery and translational neuro-oncology within the Cleveland Clinic’s world-class research ecosystem.

Principal Investigator: Andrew Dhawan, MD, DPhil, FRCPC

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Cancer Sciences

Lab Research Topics:

• Neuro-oncology
• RNA biology (non-coding RNA)
• Therapeutic resistance
• Functional Genomics
• For more information about the lab’s research, please visit:https://www.lerner.ccf.org/cardiovascular-metabolic/dhawan/ or contact Dr. Dhawan at dhawana@ccf.org.
  
  

Job Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Lead independent research projects focused on understanding mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in brain tumors
• Develop and implement innovative non-coding RNA delivery strategies
• Optimize and perform specialized sequencing protocols
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
  
  

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD
  
  

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 OPT visa status
  
  

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience
  
  

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Extensive experience in RNA biology, including RNA folding, stability, and delivery mechanisms.
• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing tools for functional screens.
• Strong track record of independent troubleshooting in a wet lab environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for grant and manuscript preparation.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory
  
  

Preferred Application Materials:

All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Andrew Dhawan at dhawana@ccf.org.

• CV
• Cover Letter (detailing technical expertise in RNA)
• 3 References w/ email and phone numbers
  
  

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, RNA Therapeutics, miRNA, circRNA, Molecular Biology, Gene Therapy, RNA, Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Epigenetics, Glioblastoma, Therapeutics

Pay Range

Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00

Maximum Annual Salary: $95,000.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).