Postdoctoral Fellow - Andrew Dhawan Lab

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator, will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic, and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years.

About the Lab

The Dhawan Lab is seeking a motivated wet-lab scientist to lead their expansion into RNA therapeutics. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of basic RNA discovery and translational neuro-oncology within the Cleveland Clinic’s world-class research ecosystem.

Principal Investigator: Andrew Dhawan, MD, DPhil, FRCPC
Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Cancer Sciences
Lab Research Topics: Neuro-oncology, RNA biology (non-coding RNA), therapeutic resistance, functional genomics

For more information about the lab’s research, visit the Dhawan Lab website or contact Dr. Dhawan at dhawana@ccf.org.

Responsibilities

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation
• Lead independent research projects focused on understanding mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in brain tumors
• Develop and implement innovative non-coding RNA delivery strategies
• Optimize and perform specialized sequencing protocols
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

Requirements

• PhD or MD/PhD required (MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD)
• Previous experience in a research or academic setting (graduate student experience meets this requirement)
• Scientific writing experience
• English proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in RNA biology, including RNA folding, stability, and delivery mechanisms
• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing tools for functional screens
• Strong track record of independent troubleshooting in a wet lab environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for grant and manuscript preparation
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through peer-reviewed publications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory.

Pay

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale for FY 2026:

• 0 years of experience: $63,480
• 1 year: $63,900
• 2 years: $64,380
• 3 years: $66,948
• 4 years: $69,180
• 5 years: $71,748
• 6 years: $74,424
• 7 or more years: $77,076

The pay range for new hires is $31,200.00 – $95,000.00 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set, and education. This range does not include applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime) or the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental, vision, retirement savings contributions).