UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Pharmacology & Immunology

Join the de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as a Staff Scientist I. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to a growing program focused on understanding how epigenetic alterations drive cancer progression and therapeutic response.

About the Role

The de Cubas Laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms by which loss of the chromatin regulator SETD2 promotes kidney cancer development through altered mitochondrial biology, innate immune signaling, and tumor-immune interactions. We recently identified a novel therapeutic vulnerability in SETD2-deficient tumors involving mitochondrial DNA leakage, cGAS-STING activation, and BCL-XL dependency (Cancer Research 2026, PMID: 42060867). Current projects integrate cancer biology, immunology, functional genomics, advanced microscopy, and preclinical mouse models to develop next-generation therapeutic strategies for solid tumors.

The successful candidate will play a key scientific role in advancing multiple funded research projects in a highly collaborative environment alongside cancer biologists, immunologists, clinicians, and computational scientists. The laboratory is supported by multiple externally funded grants and offers opportunities for scientific leadership, collaboration, and professional growth.

Research Areas

• Kidney cancer biology and metastasis
• Cancer epigenetics and chromatin regulation
• Mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and cellular stress responses
• cGAS-STING signaling and innate immunity
• Tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy
• CRISPR-based functional genomics
• Translational cancer therapeutics

Opportunities

• Lead innovative projects at the intersection of cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology
• Develop new experimental approaches and technologies
• Publish impactful discoveries and present findings at major national and international meetings
• Participate in grant writing, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and laboratory leadership activities
• Mentor graduate students, research specialists, and undergraduate trainees
• Access state-of-the-art resources including advanced microscopy, genomics, flow cytometry, spatial biology, and animal modeling cores within an NCI-designated Cancer Center
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of physician-scientists, basic scientists, bioinformaticians, and translational investigators across MUSC and collaborating institutions
• Contribute to the continued growth of a rapidly expanding, well-funded research program

Responsibilities

Lead independent research projects and develop new scientific directions (35%)

• Lead and manage independent research projects, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator to develop new scientific directions and collaborative research initiatives

Molecular, cellular, and genomic experimentation (25%)

• Perform and develop advanced experimental approaches including mammalian cell culture, CRISPR gene editing, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, advanced microscopy, functional cellular assays, molecular biology, and functional genomics
• Develop and implement new technologies that enhance the laboratory's research capabilities

In vivo and translational studies (15%)

• Design and perform mouse studies including orthotopic, syngeneic, genetically engineered, and xenograft tumor models
• Responsibilities include animal procedures, therapeutic studies, tissue collection, immune profiling, and integration of in vivo and mechanistic studies

Mentorship and laboratory leadership (15%)

• Contribute to the training and mentorship of graduate students, research staff, and undergraduate trainees
• Assist with implementation of new laboratory techniques, maintenance of laboratory resources, and fostering a collaborative, intellectually stimulating research environment

Scientific communication and career development (10%)

• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, fellowship applications, and grant proposals
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international scientific conferences

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent and 2 years of post-doctoral experience (MUSC minimum requirement)
• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline
• At least 3 years of post-doctoral or equivalent experience
• Strong publication record appropriate for career stage
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Skills

• Kidney cancer research
• Cancer biology
• Tumor immunology
• Epigenetics or chromatin biology
• Mitochondrial biology
• Functional genomics
• Flow cytometry
• Advanced microscopy
• Bioinformatics
• Mouse models of disease

Strong candidates will demonstrate scientific creativity, independence, excellent communication skills, and a strong publication record appropriate to career stage.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position (Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift)
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile (Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift)
• Ability to climb stairs (Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift)
• Ability to work indoors (Continuous)
• Ability to work in cold temperature extremes, e.g., 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)
• Good finger dexterity (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function (Continuous)
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted (Frequent)
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five 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
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms (Frequent)

Additional requirements include the ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license, computer literacy, and the ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, and learn new processes, tools, and equipment as required.