The Smidt Heart Institute is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an ambitious collaborative project to decipher metabolic interactions between cancer cells and the heart. Funded in part by an active NIH/NHLBI grant, this role will involve a close collaboration in a multidisciplinary team together with collaborators within the Smidt Heart Institute and the Cedars Cancer Center.

Our research group has an established track record in the study of metabolic pathways using in vivo and ex vivo multi-omics approaches, including computational simulations of cardiac metabolism. We combine ex vivo organ perfusion techniques with stable isotope tracers to measure metabolic flux alterations. The successful candidate will have significant autonomy to develop innovative strategies for projects bridging cardiovascular research and oncology. A unique opportunity within the research group is to establish in vivo mouse models to study metabolic changes in the heart during cancer. Currently, a particular focus is on leukemia and solid tumors (e.g., colorectal cancer).

The position will also be connected to a vibrant local scientific community for translational research in Los Angeles. We seek to build on previous expertise and methods devised by our team.

Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientist, our Research Fellow will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period and may develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. Will analyze and interpret data and may assist in preparation of grant proposals. You will participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author. This position is not responsible for generating grant funds.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May assist in preparation of grant proposals, but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
• May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.  
• Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator. 
• May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and compiles data.    
• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments. 

Application Process:

• Applications should include (in a single PDF)
• Please include a cover letter along with your CV    
• Please include a publication list
• Projects you are interested in and your career goals

Educational Requirements:

• Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD, or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization is required

Experience:

• Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
• Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of mass spectrometry, tracer studies and transgenic mouse models.
• Expertise in biological data science and data-driven discovery, scientific programming and omics data analysis, genetics will also be beneficial, as is communicating results in scientific conferences and papers.