The main interest of our laboratory is the discovery and characterization of gene mutations in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with the long term goal of understanding the molecular mechanisms that control abnormal hematopoiesis (including hematopoietic stem cells).

 

Research opportunities are available for highly motivated individuals in the following areas:

 

1. WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING: Discovery of gene mutations that occur in the genomes of hematopoietic cells from patients with MDS and AML using genomic resequencing (candidate gene and whole genome sequencing using next generation technology). In parallel, discovery of acquired genomic copy number alterations using high resolution SNP arrays and array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) platforms. We use primary cells and mouse models to study the functional significance of mutant genes.

 

2. The role of gene dosage in hematopoiesis. The laboratory is utilizing RNA interference (RNAi) in primary human and murine hematopoietic cells to study how gene dosage alters hematopoiesis. Knockout mice are being generated for specific MDS candidate genes in order to directly study the effect on hematopoiesis in mice.

 

All these studies involve state of the art technologies and incorporate functional genomics, bioinformatics, hematopoiesis, stem cell and tumor biology, and mouse models of disease.

 

Ph.D. and/or M.D. with good publication(s) in cancer, genetics or genomics.

 

Must have expertise in cell and molecular biology. Experience with mouse models preferred. Fluent in written and spoken English. Must have excellent communications skills and the ability to work independently.

 

Please submit a Curriculum Vitae and 2 letters of reference