Postdoctoral Fellow - Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology - School of Dentistry

About the role

The Philips Institute for Oral Health Research at the VCU School of Dentistry is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the laboratory of Dr. Yue Sun. This position provides research duties essential to the success of the faculty, postdocs and students in the Sun’s lab. The candidate will be working on tumor immune responses and IFN‑γ/STAT signaling, tumor antigen processing/presentation and response to cancer immunotherapy, lipid metabolism and endosome/lysosome trafficking. The laboratory uses molecular and cellular biology, biochemical assays, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, genetic manipulation, and mouse tumor models. The fellow will have opportunities to develop an independent research direction, publish first‑author work, present at scientific meetings, and receive mentorship in fellowship/grant preparation and career development.

Responsibilities

• Investigate tumor immune responses and IFN‑γ/STAT signaling.
• Study tumor antigen processing/presentation and response to cancer immunotherapy.
• Examine lipid metabolism and endosome/lysosome trafficking.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, biochemical assays, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, genetic manipulation, and work with mouse tumor models.
• Develop an independent research direction.
• Publish first‑author manuscripts.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.
• Receive mentorship in fellowship/grant preparation and career development.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in cancer immunology, cell signaling, mouse tumor models, or related areas is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to maintain regulatory documents for laboratory research involving animals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do so as a postdoctoral fellow at VCU.
• Preferred: Experience in membrane trafficking/lysosomes, autophagy, flow cytometry, microscopy, CRISPR/cloning, or protein interaction studies.

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

Schedule

Hours per week: 40. Fully onsite.

Contact: Dr. Yue Sun, ysun4@vcu.edu