Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Postdoc Positions Focusing on Gene Regulation in Cancer Progression and Neuronal Aging

Posted Date:

Position Description

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Jason Liu (https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/biomedical-sciences/faculty/profile/4K30J0M3V/Liu%2C-Zhijie) in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. The focus of the lab is studying enhancer function and epigenetic mechanism in gene regulation in cancer progression and neuronal aging. Selected candidates will perform highly interdisciplinary and collaborative scientific research in one or more of the following projects, working with human cell lines, mouse models, and clinical samples:

(1) Explore the function and mechanism of signaling-regulated enhancers in cancer and neuronal diseases, and understand how enhancers are regulated by the crosstalk of different signaling pathways including sex hormones, Hippo signaling, inflammation signals and metabolic signals;

(2) Decipher the epigenetic and chromatin 3D level changes in enhancers upon developmental/pathological stimuli or during therapy resistance acquisition;

(3) Identify diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer/neuronal diseases and develop drugs for pre-clinical studies and potential clinical applications.

Our research integrates next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and bioinformatics tools to investigate the component, epigenetic, and 3D level changes of enhancers in diseases (refer to Cell 2014 PMID: 25303530; Molecular Cell 2019 PMID: 31303470; Nature Cell Biology 2020 PMID: 32424275). We are efficiently combining biochemical, cellular, super-resolution imaging, and animal model-related studies with different NGS-based assays. Our research program will help the trainees from both wet and dry lab sides to build up strong expertise and training record in molecular biology and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics and metabolomics).  

San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities. The UT Health San Antonio is the largest university of health science in South Texas and one of four medical schools in the UT System. The affiliated Mays Cancer Center is one of the NCI-designated national cancer centers in the state of Texas. A competitive salary(>$53K/year) and benefits package will be provided.

Position Requirements

Positions require a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, cell biology, cancer/neuronal biology, bioinformatics, or closely related biological sciences. The candidates need to have high motivation and strong interest in doing basic/clinical research. Any prior experience in molecular mechanism studies, mouse models, cancer/neuronal biology, and bioinformatics analyses will be valued. 

How to Apply

To apply:
Please send the application package to Dr. Jason Liu (LiuZ7@uthscsa.edu) in one single pdf file including a cover letter briefly describing your previous experience and your future research interest/plan, curriculum vitae with list of publications, and contact information of at least three references. You are also welcome to send any inquiries or questions you might have. 

Contact information:

Dr. Jason Liu
Department of Molecular Medicine 
The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 8257
San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900
Email: LiuZ7@uthscsa.edu

Institution Web Site: http://molecularmedicine.uthscsa.edu/index.aspx


All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.