UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Regenerative Medicine

About the role

The laboratory of Dr. Sungjin Ko in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a new multi-year NIH-funded research project, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research within the context of the NIH-funded project under the guidance of the PI.
  • Design, implement, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments relevant to liver regeneration, liver cancer, and cellular plasticity.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date laboratory records.
  • Experimental documentation, sample tracking spreadsheets, data organization, and maintenance of electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Aid in daily laboratory operations and maintenance.
  • Preparation of routine reagents, organization of shared laboratory resources, assistance with mouse colony coordination and basic husbandry-related research needs, and general support of laboratory workflow.
• Assist in the training and supervision of graduate students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel.
  • Provide technical guidance, share experimental expertise, contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment, and help maintain high scientific and professional standards in the lab.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings.
  • Contribute substantially to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific writing, and oral presentations.
• Work closely with the PI to develop research proposals and future grant applications for the laboratory.
  • Encourage to apply for independent postdoctoral fellowship awards, including NIH, AHA, and other internal or external funding opportunities, as part of career development.

Qualifications

• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology, a strong interest in developmental biology and cancer biology, experience working with animal models, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with RNA-seq analysis, liver biology, organoid culture, CRISPR-based approaches, or bioinformatics is desirable.
• Demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Continuous).
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous).
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent).
• Ability to climb stairs (Infrequent).
• Ability to work indoors (Continuous).
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers (Frequent).
• Ability to bend at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to twist at the waist (Frequent).
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations (Continuous).
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms (Continuous).
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders (Continuous).
• Ability to fully use both legs (Continuous).
• Ability to reach in all directions (Continuous).
• Possess good finger dexterity (Continuous).
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions (Continuous).
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function (Continuous).
• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted (Frequent).
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent).
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings (Frequent).
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected (Continuous).
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand (Continuous).
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance (Continuous).
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors (Continuous).
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception (Continuous).
• Good peripheral vision capabilities (Continuous).
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction (Continuous).
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements (Continuous).
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually (Frequent).
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms (Frequent).

Additional New Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.