Postdoctoral Research Fellow – RNA Biology & Cancer Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Noncoding RNA, Epigenetics, and Chromatin Structure

The Lauberth Lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team in investigating how noncoding RNAs and RNA-binding proteins interface with chromatin regulation and genome organization in cancer.

Our lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which RNA regulates transcription, chromatin architecture, and biosynthetic output in tumor cells. We study how transcriptional and epigenetic programs are rewired in response to oncogenic stress, with particular emphasis on:

• Noncoding RNA interactions with chromatin-modifying enzymes and transcriptional machinery
• The role of mutant p53 in shaping enhancer activity, chromatin topology, and gene expression programs
• RNA-based mechanisms of nucleolar function and biosynthetic regulation in colorectal cancer

We use a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genomics, biochemistry, cell biology, and mouse models to uncover how RNA-chromatin networks contribute to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and nascent RNA-seq in cancer cell models.
• Conduct protein biochemistry, including expression, purification, and enzymatic assays for RNA- and chromatin-interacting proteins.
• Use CRISPR-based approaches and mouse models to functionally dissect candidate pathways.
• Collaborate on multi-omics and drug discovery projects aimed at identifying novel regulatory vulnerabilities in cancer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related fields.
• Experience with epigenomics, RNA biology, or chromatin assays.
• Comfort working with animal models or in vivo systems is a plus.
• Strong track record of first-author publications and commitment to translational discovery.

Environment

The Lauberth Lab is part of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. We offer a highly collaborative and supportive environment with access to cutting-edge resources in cancer epigenetics and RNA biology.

To apply, please send a CV, brief research statement, and contact information for three references to:
Shannon Lauberth, Ph.D.

Tagged as: Life Sciences