Are you driven by a passion to pioneer cancer research, particularly focusing on BRCA1/2 (Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene 1 and 2)? Join us for a remarkable opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms of BRCA1/2-mediated DNA damage response and to uncover their crucial roles in cancer biology. This position places you at the forefront of groundbreaking research with the potential to significantly impact our understanding of cancer treatment and prevention.
My laboratory (https://weixingzhaolab.org/) in the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology (BSB) and the Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is looking for 1-2 highly motivated postdoctoral fellows. Our research programs are well supported by newly awarded two NIH R01 grants (NIGMS and NCI), Research Scholar Award from American Cancer Society, CPRIT HIHR Award grant, V foundation Scholar Award, Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund Young Investigator Award, and Rising STARs Award. With a holistic approach, which encompasses biochemical reconstitution of complex biological reactions, single-molecular biophysics, structural biology, and cell-based analyses, we have made important discoveries concerning the roles that the tumor suppressor complexes BRCA1-BARD1, BRCA2-DSS1 and other related factors fulfill in the homology-directed repair of damaged chromosomes, some results have appeared in prestigious journals, including Nature Communications (2024, under revision), Nature Structural Molecular Biology (2024, under revision), Molecular Cell (2023), EMBO Journal (2023), Journal of Cell Biology (2020), Nature (2017; highlighted in Nature News & Views; attracted 68 media attentions; ranked within the top one percent of over 331,000 research articles of a similar age), Nature Structural Molecular Biology (2017) and Molecular Cell (2015; selected as the cover story). Built upon those important breakthroughs (such as ubique BRCA1/2 expression system in insect cells) and findings (see above publications), research projects of the laboratory are to delineate BRCA1/2 biology and the protein interaction networks (including 3 novel partners newly discovered by my team at UT Health San Antonio but unpublished yet) that regulate the tumor suppressor function of BRCA1 and BRCA2, and the drug response of patients who have germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations, with the goal of providing molecular insights to translate into effective regimens and personal medicine.
Position Requirements
Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. (or expect to receive a doctoral degree soon), possess great experimental and communication skills, and demonstrate solid training in biochemistry or cell biology with 1-2 scientific publications. Previous research experience in DNA repair and cancer biology is preferred but not essential. In addition to competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, the successful candidates will be provided with strong support for developing an independent research career after postdoctoral training. All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive position. The University of Texas Health at San Antonio is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including protected veterans and persons with disabilities.
How to Apply
Please send (1) a cover letter describing your previous training, research accomplishments and future research interests, (2) your curriculum vitae, and (3) contact information of three references to Dr. Weixing Zhao at zhaow2@uthscsa.edu.
Contact information: Weixing Zhao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Department of BSB & GCCRI
UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229
All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
