Postdoctoral Scholar Position - Cancer Biology

Dr. Lees-Miller is looking for an outstanding postdoctoral fellow for a 12 month term with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The Lees-Miller lab studies how mammalian cells detect and repair DNA double strand breaks and how this knowledge can be translated into novel cancer therapies. The project, based on our previously published work (PMID: 28182994; 22416035) is to determine how small molecule inhibitors of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) can be used to selectively target human cell lines with deficiencies in the DNA damage response protein kinases ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) and DNA-PK dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). A549 cells with CRISPR deletion have been generated and preliminary analysis has been carried out. The purpose of this position is to extend the analysis and determine cross-talk between DNA-PKcs and ATM in response to PARP inhibitors.

The responsibilities of this position will include:
• Grow human cell lines in culture
• Transfection
• Making protein extracts
• SDS PAGE and western blot
• Viability assays (clonogenic survival, Alamar blue, sulphorhodamine B assays)
• Fluorescence microscopy (immunofluorescence human cells on coverslips, H2AX foci assays)
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, presentations and reports.

Approximately 90% of the candidate’s time will be spent carrying out research under the direction of the PI, Dr. S. P. Lees-Miller. In addition, the candidate will be expected to read the scientific literature, and assist in the preparation of figures, manuscripts, reports and grant applications.