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Benefits Highlights
Medical: Multiple plan options.Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.Vision: Affordable plan with national network.Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in DNA Damage Response, Radiation Biology, and Immunotherapy
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center – Callaghan/Mutter/Lou Laboratory

The Callaghan/Mutter/Lou Laboratory at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and Novel Therapeutics and Therapeutic Modalities Program is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our dynamic team. Our research focuses on DNA Damage Response and Radiation Biology for cancer therapy, particularly their interplay with anti-tumor immunity. This opportunity is centered on advancing treatments for rectal cancer using particle beam radiotherapy, DNA repair inhibitors, and immunotherapy.

Who We Are

Our lab is a highly collaborative and innovative research environment led by experts in the field:

Dr. Zhenkun Lou – A world leader in DNA damage biology, with multiple NIH-funded grants and high-impact publications.Dr. Cameron Callaghan & Dr. Robert Mutter – Physician-scientists specializing in Radiation Oncology, with expertise in translational clinical trials and pre-clinical mechanistic research.

We work alongside top cancer biologists, clinicians, and global investigators to push the boundaries of radiation and DNA damage/repair mechanisms in cancer therapy. Some of the key questions we explore include:

How can rectal cancer be sensitized to radiotherapy while minimizing normal tissue toxicity?What are the unique DNA damage responses induced by high-LET radiation (e.g., Bragg Peak protons, alpha particles, carbon ions)?How can high-LET radiation and DNA repair inhibitors enhance the response of proficient Mismatch Repair (pMMR) rectal cancer to immunotherapy?

Your Role

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will spearhead cutting-edge projects focusing on novel radiation techniques, small molecule radiosensitizers, and immunotherapy for rectal cancer. Your research will involve:

State-of-the-art experimental techniques, including BP proton irradiation in murine tumor models, in vitro alpha particle irradiation, and advanced molecular biology methods.Multi-omics and imaging approaches, such as multiplexed immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, whole-exome sequencing (WES), and spatialomics in tumor models and patient-derived tissues.Investigating how high-LET radiation uniquely damages cancer cells, leading to cancer-specific radiosensitization and enhanced immunotherapy responses.

Qualifications

We seek candidates with a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Radiobiology, DNA Damage/Repair, Immunology, or a related field. The most important qualities we value are:

A passion for scientific discoveryStrong problem-solving skillsIndependence and drive for excellence

Why Join Us?

Joining the Callaghan/Mutter/Lou Lab means becoming part of an environment that nurtures scientific growth and career development. We offer:

Access to world-class resources, mentorship, and trainingOpportunities to present at major conferences and collaborate globallyA supportive environment where you can mentor and be mentored, shaping the future of cancer research

Lab Culture

We thrive on teamwork, diversity, and innovation. Expect a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, with regular lab meetings, social events, and a shared commitment to advancing cancer research.

Our Recent Work

Explore some of our latest publications:

Mol Cell 2023Nat Cancer 2022Mol Cell 2023Nat Commun 2020Drug Resist Updat 2024Cancer Res 2020Mol Cancer Ther 2024Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022

If you’re ready to make a significant impact in radiation oncology and cancer biology, we encourage you to apply. You may also contact Dr. Cameron Callaghan directly at callaghan.cameron@mayo.edu

Qualifications

Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the program. Research Fellow is appropriate for individuals who have completed no more than one prior postdoctoral fellowship, at Mayo Clinic or elsewhere.

Exemption Status

Exempt

Compensation Detail

$61,027.20 - $74,089.60/year; Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Schedule

Full Time

Hours/Pay Period

80

International Assignment

No

Site Description

Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.
Equal Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law".  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter

Kara Schott