The Oser Laboratory in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology and the Department of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School focuses on identifying new therapeutic targets in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The Oser laboratory (https://oserlab.dana-farber.org/) is a highly supportive medium-sized laboratory that values mentorship and a collaborative environment for training with the goal for each research fellow to achieve their greatest potential.

SCLC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine cancer that is driven by loss of function (LOF) mutations in the tumor suppressor genes RB1, TP53, and NOTCH and high expression of oncogenic neural/neuroendocrine transcription factors including ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3, which are undruggable. The Oser Laboratory utilizes various approaches including CRISPR/Cas9 screening, in vivo CRISPR-based mouse modeling, small molecule screening, therapeutic studies in both immunocompetent syngeneic models and immunocompromised models, and detailed mechanistic studies. The lab focuses on uncovering new mechanisms/targets that when disrupted: 1. Inhibit undruggable oncogenic drivers with a focus on protein degradation; and 2. Target LOF mutations in tumor suppressor genes with a focus on synthetic lethality. The lab also focuses on understanding epigenetic mechanisms that drive lineage plasticity in lung cancer using CRISPR-based mouse modeling. Through the research, the lab seek to gain a more comprehensive understanding of SCLC tumorigenesis and identify new targeted therapies for patients with SCLC.  More details on the lab's research program can be found here: https://oserlab.dana-farber.org/

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Dr. Oser is seeking a highly motivated and qualified postdoctoral candidate interested in pursuing one of the projects described above aimed at either identifying new strategies to block lineage specific transcription factors in SCLC or identifying how lineage plasticity is epigenetically controlled in lung cancer. The projects will have a dual focus on identifying new targets that regulate above, performing in vitro mechanistic studies in SCLC cell lines, and likely also in vivo studies using mouse models of SCLC.

The position will require a core foundation of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and tissue culture. The ideal candidate will also have some background in studying epigenetics or a background in studying protein stability. The successful candidate will be expected to lead 2 independent projects.

The candidate must have a MD, PhD or MD/PhD with several years of relevant experience in molecular biology with some research experience in cancer biology. 

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.