What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Epigenetic Regulation in Bladder Cancer Initiation position at Northwestern Department of Neurological Surgery?
September 22, 2025
Bladder cancer remains one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide, demanding innovative research to address its complexities and challenges. To this end, we are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research with wet lab competencies, and encourage applicants with wet and dry lab skills to apply.
Our research focuses on the role of epigenetic regulation in bladder cancer initiation, examining both normal homeostasis and its response to environmental and endogenous factors. Recent studies have shown that carcinogenesis does not rely solely on DNA mutations, but also involves significant epigenetic alterations. Our own research has specifically highlighted how exposure to chemicals and irritants, such as those found in tobacco and industrial pollutants, contributes to bladder cancer through epigenetic reprogramming. It is now imperative to understand which cells within the bladder are most susceptible to these environmental triggers and the epigenetic mechanisms that drive them toward tumorigenesis. By identifying common epigenetic pathways across different cellular contexts, we aspire to pinpoint actionable targets suitable for therapeutic intervention to prevent the onset of cancer.
In parallel, our research is dedicated to advancing our understanding of bladder tumor evolution biology through the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and the tumor microenvironment. Utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic sequencing, as well as spatial immunophenotyping data from patient samples, our goal is to track the intricate epigenetic and genetic evolutionary trajectories of bladder tumors across various stages and environments. This work aims to identify the key drivers of cancer progression, immune resistance mechanisms, and potential vulnerabilities within the tumor microenvironment. Our pursuit of these insights promises to pave the way for more personalized and precise interventions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Essential Qualifications
To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, and a list of publications to joshua.meeks@northwestern.edu.
Bladder cancer remains one of the most pressing public health concerns worldwide, demanding innovative research to address its complexities and challenges. To this end, we are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research with wet lab competencies, and encourage applicants with wet and dry lab skills to apply.
Our research focuses on the role of epigenetic regulation in bladder cancer initiation, examining both normal homeostasis and its response to environmental and endogenous factors. Recent studies have shown that carcinogenesis does not rely solely on DNA mutations, but also involves significant epigenetic alterations. Our own research has specifically highlighted how exposure to chemicals and irritants, such as those found in tobacco and industrial pollutants, contributes to bladder cancer through epigenetic reprogramming. It is now imperative to understand which cells within the bladder are most susceptible to these environmental triggers and the epigenetic mechanisms that drive them toward tumorigenesis. By identifying common epigenetic pathways across different cellular contexts, we aspire to pinpoint actionable targets suitable for therapeutic intervention to prevent the onset of cancer.
In parallel, our research is dedicated to advancing our understanding of bladder tumor evolution biology through the analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and the tumor microenvironment. Utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic sequencing, as well as spatial immunophenotyping data from patient samples, our goal is to track the intricate epigenetic and genetic evolutionary trajectories of bladder tumors across various stages and environments. This work aims to identify the key drivers of cancer progression, immune resistance mechanisms, and potential vulnerabilities within the tumor microenvironment. Our pursuit of these insights promises to pave the way for more personalized and precise interventions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Essential Qualifications
- PhD or MD/PhD in cancer, developmental biology, stem cells, immunology, genomics, with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Knowledge and interest in cancer biology, immunology, and mouse models
- Technical qualifications: mouse breeding and histology, immunology, epigenetic assays, cell culture
- Bioinformatics skills: use of R (or python) to analyze gene expression, single-cell and mutation analysis
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with particular emphasis on data visualization
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of writing papers in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings
- Ability to work independently, but also contribute to a research team
- Study execution and data analysis.
- Manuscript preparation and presentations at national meetings.
- Communicating data and conclusions effectively in both written and oral forms.
- An open, supportive, and motivating academic environment with excellent training opportunities.
- The possibility to work on cutting-edge and novel translational research projects.
- A broad spectrum of methods, including bioinformatics, biochemistry, cell culture, next generation sequencing, and animal models.
- Investment in career development, fostering critical research skills, scientific writing, and editing.
- A two-year fellowship with the possibility of extension.
To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, and a list of publications to joshua.meeks@northwestern.edu.
