Research Instructor - Full-Time (Opresko Lab)

About the Role

The Research Instructor position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Patricia Opresko within the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Research focuses on mechanisms of telomere damage and repair, and their roles in cancer and aging. The aim is to investigate how damage to telomeric DNA and alterations in nucleotide metabolism impact telomere maintenance and stability. The project involves cellular, biochemical, and microscopy approaches to study telomeric and DNA repair proteins at damaged telomeres. The long-term goal is to leverage this knowledge to preserve telomeres in healthy cells to prevent disease and to deplete telomeres in cancer cells to halt proliferation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on telomere damage and repair mechanisms using cellular, biochemical, and microscopy techniques.
• Investigate the impact of telomeric DNA damage and nucleotide metabolism alterations on telomere maintenance and stability.
• Study telomeric and DNA repair proteins at damaged telomeres.
• Contribute to the long-term goal of applying findings to preserve telomeres in healthy cells and deplete them in cancer cells.

Requirements

• PhD in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Several years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in studying genome maintenance pathways.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular