Cho Laboratory | Department of Pharmacological Sciences | Stony Brook University
The newly established Cho Laboratory at Stony Brook University is seeking a creative and motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our research team.
Our laboratory investigates how DNA damage activates innate immune signaling in cancer and how these pathways can be restored or enhanced to promote antitumor responses. We aim to identify new molecular regulators that determine whether damaged tumor cells become visible to the immune system.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to lead research projects, develop new experimental approaches, and build an independent research direction while working closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators.
Research Focus
Initial projects will focus on identifying molecular regulators that can promote or restore antitumor immune signaling, including through functional screening. Selected candidates will then be investigated using cellular, molecular, biochemical, and mechanistic approaches.
Research will primarily involve mammalian cell culture and a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques. Depending on the project and the candidate’s expertise, studies may also incorporate:
- siRNA- or CRISPR-based functional screening
-
Imaging-based approaches
-
Spatial transcriptomics or other transcriptomic methods
-
Proteomics and other high-dimensional datasets
-
Bioinformatics, computational biology, or quantitative analysis
- Mouse models and tissue analysis
Applicants are not expected to have experience in all these areas. Experience in one or more is an advantage, and opportunities to learn additional methods will be available.
Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Associate will:
-
Lead research projects examining molecular regulators of innate immune and antitumor signaling
-
Design and conduct cellular, molecular, biochemical, and mechanistic experiments
-
Analyze, organize, and interpret experimental data
-
Maintain clear experimental notes, research records, and datasets
-
Discuss results and troubleshoot experiments with the Principal Investigator and laboratory members
-
Develop, adapt, or optimize new experimental techniques
-
Contribute to manuscripts and scientific presentations
-
Participate in laboratory meetings, collaborations, and scientific discussions
-
Prepare or contribute to fellowship, grant, and research-award applications as appropriate
Required Qualifications
-
PhD or equivalent degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, or a closely related field by the employment start date
-
Research experience in cell and molecular biology or a related biomedical field
-
Ability to design and conduct research experiments
-
Ability to analyze and organize data and maintain accurate research records
-
Ability to communicate scientific findings through writing and presentations
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required:
-
Cancer biology
-
DNA-damage responses
-
Innate immune signaling or tumor immunology
-
Mammalian cell culture
-
Molecular, cellular, or biochemical techniques
-
Mouse models, animal handling, or tissue collection
-
siRNA- or CRISPR-based functional screening
-
Spatial transcriptomics, transcriptomics, or proteomics
-
Bioinformatics, computational biology, or quantitative data analysis
-
Manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, or fellowship applications
We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy developing new techniques, exploring creative experimental approaches, discussing scientific ideas, and building projects from initial discovery through mechanistic validation and publication.
Mentorship and Professional Development
The Cho Laboratory is committed to supporting the candidate’s scientific growth and increasing research independence through:
-
Project leadership and development of independent research directions
-
Manuscript and publication development
-
Fellowship and grant preparation
-
Conference participation and scientific presentations
-
Applications for appropriate scientific awards
-
Training in new technical and analytical approaches
-
Career-development planning and mentorship
How to Apply
Please submit:
-
A current CV
-
A brief cover letter describing previous research experience, current interests, and future career goals
-
Contact information for three references
-
Up to three representative publications
Please send application materials to minguk.jo@stonybrook.edu with the subject line:
Postdoctoral Associate Application – [Applicant Name]
An official Stony Brook University application may also be required through the university recruitment system.
