Research Fellow-Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Aml)

Postdoc positions available in the Grimes laboratory (@LeeGrimesLab) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medica Center, in Cincinnati Ohio (an affordable metro area of more than 2 million people, with access to the arts, great restaurants, excellent schools and parks). 

Dual training in hematology/oncology and informatics (with @nsalomonis). The lab exploits cutting-edge omics tech to answer fundamental biological questions in hematopoiesis, marrow failure and Myeloid Leukemia. We develop new single cell analyses and informatics tools when existing tools are insufficient to resolve the data. 

PROJECT: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common adult acute leukemia. Molecular features such as cytogenetics and somatic mutations are essential components of risk stratification; used in daily clinical practice to determine treatment modality and intensity. Our knowledge of recurrent genetic AML-associated features, survival associations, subsequent genetic risk classification and clinical practice is informed by large- scale genomic studies performed over the past decade on patients of Central-European ancestry. Thus, current clinical practice is predicated on the supposition that adequate testing has been performed, and that genetic background should not affect the known AML-associated genetic and genomic landscape and genes that associate with treatment response and/or that drive AML-genesis. However, our published and preliminary data reveal that ancestry affects not only the frequencies and impact of known AML-associated gene mutations, but also multiple recurrent variants in genes thus-far not implicated in AML-genesis. We hypothesize that some unrecognized molecular features are ancestry-associated drivers of AML-genesis and/or therapy resistance. We propose to use cutting-edge single-cell multiomic assays to delineate bystander clonal mutations from potential driver mutations, then we will biologically test their role in clonality/leukemia-stem-cell frequency and treatment response. We expect to provide an inclusive characterization of the genetic and genomic landscape of AML, identify those variants with prognostic significance, and provide exemplars of here-to-fore unrecognized drivers of treatment response and survival. The overall goal is to enable precision oncology approaches which accommodate the effects of underlying human genetics.   MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze the data.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. 
• Attend required Cincinnati Children's training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Cincinnati Children's Research and Training at a Glance:

• Among the top in NIH funding for pediatric research institutions
• Over 1.4 million square feet of research laboratory space
• 900 scientists conducting basic, translational, and clinical research
• Over 2000 publications annually in top-tier journals
• Access to Employee Resource Groups and Mentorship programs
• Postdocs have gone on to careers in academia, biotech, pharma, teaching etc.

Learn more about the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Compensation and Benefits:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Associates are eligible for:
  • Group Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Relocation Benefits for Eligible Hires

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EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Required: PhD, MD, MBBS or equivalent doctoral degree.
Preferred: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a PhD in a related field, display critical and independent thinking skills, enthusiasm for science, and an ambition to succeed.   Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and treasures Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families (EEO/AA).