Job Title
Post Doctoral Scholar
Requisition Number
DU15102
Department Name
7H018:Toxicology and Cancer Biology
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$63,480
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cellular biology, or a related field
Required Related Experience
Hands-on experience with mouse models and in vivo experiments
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Check all that apply:
☒Sitting at computer work station for long periods of time
☒Standing for long periods of time
☐Risk of back injury from moving/lifting, equipment, or materials
☒Repetitive motion
☒Lifting/Carrying up to _25____lbs.
☒Pushing/Pulling up to __25_____ lbs.
☐Job Related Travel
☐Loud Noises
☒Hazardous Chemicals or fumes
☐Temperature extremes
☐Radiation
☒Burns/Cuts/Punctures
☐Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens/Recombinant DNA/Viral Vectors
☐___________________________________
Shift
40 hours a week. Some evenings and/or weekends may be necessary.
Job Summary
A fully funded Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Xia Liu at the Department of Toxicology and Cancer biology. The position is supported by recently funded NIH/NCI R01 and American Cancer Society (ACS) Research Scholar Grant awards and is available immediately.
Research Focus
The Liu Laboratory investigates how neutrophils and other myeloid cells regulate breast cancer progression, metastasis, and response to cancer immunotherapy, with a particular focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Our research focuses on the interplay between tumors and the systemic tumor macroenvironment, particularly how tumor-derived signals reprogram hematopoiesis and neutrophil development and function to promote cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to work on projects investigating:
- Molecular mechanisms regulating emergency granulopoiesis and neutrophil development during cancer progression
- Systemic tumor–host interactions within the tumor macroenvironment
- Functional and molecular heterogeneity of circulating and tumor-associated neutrophils
- Signaling pathways regulating the generation and immunosuppressive functions of immature neutrophils/PMN-MDSCs
- Mechanisms by which neutrophils promote breast cancer progression and metastasis
- Mechanisms underlying neutrophil-mediated resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
- Metabolic and functional reprogramming of neutrophils during cancer progression
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting tumor–myeloid interactions to inhibit metastasis and overcome immunotherapy resistance
The projects combine mechanistic studies with clinically relevant questions and provide opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets within both the local tumor microenvironment and systemic tumor macroenvironment.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Applicants should have:
- A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cellular biology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with mouse models and in vivo experiments
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques
- Strong motivation to pursue research in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and myeloid cell biology
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Experience with mouse tumor models is particularly important for this position.
Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis is preferred.
Additional experience in cancer immunology, neutrophil/myeloid cell biology, flow cytometry, bone marrow transplantation, bioinformatics, or immunotherapy studies is highly desirable.
Deadline to Apply
10/31/2026
Our University Community
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The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.