Job Details

Post Doc Res Assoc

Position Number: 7290198
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Post Doc Res Assoc

Job Summary

The Basham Lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow interested in studying the intersection between aging and cancer in the adrenal gland. Aging is the strongest risk factor for cancer overall, yet the mechanisms linking aging to tumor development remain poorly defined. Our work focuses on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare but aggressive cancer with peak incidence after age 50 and limited treatment options. We developed the first ACC mouse model that mirrors the age dependence of the human disease and found that age-associated tumors retain long-lived senescent adrenal cortex cells. Senescence, a hallmark of aging, was traditionally viewed as tumor-suppressive due to its prolonged growth arrest. However, recent evidence indicates that some senescent cells can become pro-tumorigenic, particularly when they persist long-term. This has important clinical implications given the widespread use of conventional chemotherapy agents that trigger therapy-induced senescence (TIS), including in ACC where the standard-of-care uses etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (EDP). Consequently, TIS may create reservoirs of tumor cells primed for recurrent growth, leading to worse patient outcomes long-term. To address this clinical problem, senolytic drugs that kill senescent cells could be repurposed for cancer therapy. Using a combination of in vivo models and patient-derived samples, our objectives are to determine how long-term senescent cells that accumulate with age promote adrenal tumor initiation and progression, and to develop senolytic strategies to exploit senescence as a therapeutic vulnerability in ACC. Please visit our website for further information about the lab (www.bashamlab.com).

We are seeking a highly self-motivated Postdoctoral Fellow who is team-oriented and has a high degree of ethics. This position requires strong organizational skills, effective interpersonal communication, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced team environment.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities
The research fellow will be expected to design and conduct highly specialized experiments in order to independently advance their scientific project. This includes data analysis and interpretation, which requires high ethical integrity. Specific experimental approaches include, but are not limited to:

Transgenic and transplant mouse models. Please note that the research fellow must be willing to work with animals.
Cell culture, including the use of established cell lines and primary cell cultures.
Genomics, including whole exome sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing.
Histology and microscopy.
Flow cytometry
Molecular biology (PCR, cloning, ect.).
Protein work (Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ect).

The research fellow will be expected to summarize their findings for presentation at national/international research conferences and publication in scientific journals.The research fellow will be expected to provide supervision and guidance to junior-level lab members and help foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

Active participation in laboratory meetings.
Training other lab members in specific techniques and experimental approaches.
Providing constructive feedback on the written and oral presentations of other lab members.

The research fellow will be expected to apply for independent funding. Please note that the position is not contingent upon obtaining funding.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

Recent doctoral degree (PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent).
Strong background in cancer, cellular, and/or molecular biology, or a related discipline.
A strong publication record.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Outstanding critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with mouse models, especially cancer-related, is strongly preferred.
Experience with advanced genomic approaches is preferred.
Experience with molecular biology (PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning), cell biology (cell culture, microscopy) and histology (sectioning, immunohistochemistry) techniques is preferred.
Experience with flow cytometry is preferred.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references including contact information.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45527B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 02155 - HCI Katie Basham Lab
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 20000 to 500000
Close Date: 8/31/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204754