Tumor Microenvironment in Metastasis Postdoctoral Fellow –

Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute is proud to be Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in Tampa. We strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer through team science and applying those insights for human benefits. Every Team Member of Moffitt focuses on our lasting commitment to our mission: To contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. 

The Oskarsson laboratory studies the molecular interactions between cancer cells and the microenvironment in metastasis and in response to therapeutic intervention. The molecular context generated by the metastatic microenvironment evolves with progression of the disease and is an important determinant of cancer cell fitness. Our objective is to dissect both cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the microenvironment in metastasis. The group has shown how stress signals induced by chemotherapy can promote the induction of specific ECM components resulting in generation of a metastatic niche that can limit therapeutic efficacy (Insua-Rodriguez et al EMBO Molecular Medicine 2018). The work of the group has also revealed novel pro-metastatic interactions of disseminated cancer cells with fibroblasts and with endothelial cells in the lungs (Pein et al Nature Communications 2020 and Hongu et al. Nature Cancer 2022). Ongoing work involves the characterization of disseminated cancer cells that are dormant in different visceral organs but maintain growth potential.

The successful candidate will employ multidisciplinary approaches using biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, computational biology and mouse models to answer basic and translational scientific questions. An important part of our research program is to validate and confirm our discoveries in the context of human cancer using a variety of methods in collaboration with clinicians and pathologists at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Our goal is to identify novel mechanisms of metastasis that can be exploited to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survival of cancer patients.

Position Highlights:

• The position offers an excellent training opportunity that combines basic mechanistic and clinically relevant research.
• An opportunity to work in a dynamic and international research group.
• Moffitt integrates excellent patient care with cutting-edge clinical and basic research. Having a cancer hospital on-site provides unique opportunities for translational research.
• Outstanding mentorship from expert faculty with wide-ranging funded research programs including T32 Training Grants.
• You will be encouraged and supported to apply for training grants.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Highly motivated and driven with interest in research on cancer metastasis
• Substantial laboratory experience (molecular and cellular biology) and the ability to design and perform own experiments.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) 
• Self-motivated and has the ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working with mouse models is a plus (but not required)
• Bioinformatics skills are a plus (but not required)

Responsibilities:

• Design, perform experiments and interpret results, with guidance from the PI.
• Be highly collaborative and pass on skills and knowledge to students and other team members
• Communicate science and guide students

Credentials and Qualifications:

• MD or PhD in Cancer Biology or related fields is required
• Should have at least one first Author publication.

Moffitt Postdocs are provided with Medical (Moffitt covers premium for team members) effective upon start date and eligible for Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. You may be eligible for relocation assistance per policy. Reasons to relocate, aside from the sunshine, beaches and year-round outdoor recreation associated with the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities for all, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission, then we have a place for you.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Thordur Oskarsson, Email: Thordur.Oskarsson@moffitt.org