UNIV - Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the laboratory of Dr. Huimin Zhang, who joined MUSC in November 2025. The Zhang Lab focuses on DNA damage repair and cancer biology, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying genomic instability and developing strategies to exploit these mechanisms for cancer therapy. Research emphasizes tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and other genes involved in DNA damage response pathways that contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
The lab particularly studies how cells respond to chemotherapy and maintain genomic stability, with a focus on topoisomerase-targeting agents (Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2025.101082; Science Advances, 2023, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi6681; Nature Communications, 2022, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31801-7; Nucleic Acids Research, 2019, DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz769; Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2016, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M116.755991).
The lab employs a broad range of biochemical, molecular, and cellular approaches, including large-scale proteomics and genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening to explore cancer-related protein–protein, gene–gene, and gene–drug interactions. We seek applicants who are self-motivated, career-oriented, and enthusiastic to join an exciting and highly interactive research team.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead and conduct independent research projects under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), contribute to manuscript preparation and publication, and participate in project management, grant writing, and career development activities. The fellow will collaborate closely with the PI and lab members in all aspects of research.

Preferred additional knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Self-motivated and career oriented.

• Strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology

• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology

• Proven ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments independently

• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team

• Creative thinking, attention to detail, and commitment to scientific rigor

Job Duties:

Experimental design and execution (35%)

• Design and conduct experiments using state-of-the-art biochemical, molecular, and cellular approaches to study DNA repair mechanisms and chemotherapy response.

Data analysis and interpretation (35%)

• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data. Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure data integrity. Interpret findings and plan follow-up experiments.

Manuscript and grant preparation (20%)

• Prepare figures and text for publications and grant proposals. Contribute to writing manuscripts, abstracts, and reports. Present findings in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences.

Laboratory maintenance and compliance (10%)

• Assist in maintaining laboratory organization, equipment, and supply inventories. Ensure compliance with institutional safety and regulatory policies.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. 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) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) 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 New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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