Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Brain Tumor Biology, RNA Splicing, and Cancer Immunology
Song Laboratory | Department of Neuroscience | Hollings Cancer Center\
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) | Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Position Description
The Song Laboratory at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research team.
Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression, therapeutic resistance, and tumor-immune interactions, with a particular focus on RNA alternative splicing and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for brain tumors. We integrate functional genomics, transcriptomics, molecular and cellular biology, iPSC models, and preclinical tumor models to address fundamental questions in brain cancer biology.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue one or more of the following research directions, depending on their expertise and scientific interests.
Research Opportunities
1. Functional Discovery of Alternative Splicing Dependencies in Glioma
Develop and apply exon-centric CRISPR screening approaches to systematically identify functional splicing alterations that regulate glioma growth and therapeutic resistance. This project combines RNA sequencing, gene-editing technologies, and preclinical tumor models to discover novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in glioma.
2. Alternative Splicing and Sphingolipid Metabolism
Investigate how coordinated alternative splicing of sphingolipid metabolism-related genes regulates glioma metabolism, progression, and therapeutic response. This project integrates RNA biology, lipidomics, and preclinical glioma models to uncover new mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming and potential therapeutic targets.
3. Targeting RNA Splicing Factors for Glioma Therapy
Investigate the roles of RNA splicing factors, particularly PTBP1, in glioma progression and tumor-intrinsic innate immune responses. This project aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing factors and evaluate their antitumor efficacy using patient-derived glioma models and preclinical mouse models.
4. iPSC-Derived Microglia and Glioma Immunotherapy
Investigate how human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia recognize and phagocytose glioma cells and how tumor engulfment influences microglial immune function. This project aims to identify molecular determinants of tumor susceptibility to phagocytosis and develop engineered microglia as a novel cellular immunotherapy for brain tumors.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, or a related field.
Strong background in molecular and cellular biology, with demonstrated research productivity.
Ability to independently design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments.
Excellent communication, organizational, and scientific writing skills.
Strong motivation to pursue innovative biomedical research and work collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
RNA biology, alternative splicing, or transcriptomics.
CRISPR/Cas gene editing or functional genomic screening.
Cancer biology, tumor immunology, or tumor microenvironment research.
iPSC culture, differentiation, or stem cell biology.
Macrophage or microglia biology.
Flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, or preclinical animal models.
Bioinformatics, single-cell RNA-seq, or other high-throughput sequencing analyses.
Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all these areas. Applicants with strong research experience in any of these fields are encouraged to apply.
Research Environment and Career Development
The Song Laboratory is a newly established and well-funded research group at MUSC, supported by substantial institutional start-up funding, NIH/NINDS R21 awards, and a Department of Defense (DoD) Career Development Award. The laboratory offers a collaborative research environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and excellent opportunities for scientific discovery, publications, and career development.
Our laboratory has established patient-derived glioma stem-like cell models, iPSC-derived microglia platforms, and advanced molecular and functional genomic approaches. The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative and supportive research environment, access to state-of-the-art shared research facilities, and opportunities to interact with investigators across neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, and translational medicine.
We are committed to supporting the professional development of postdoctoral researchers through scientific mentorship, opportunities for first-author publications, conference presentations, grant applications, and career advancement toward independent academic or industry research positions.
About MUSC and Charleston
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a leading academic health sciences institution with a strong commitment to biomedical research, innovation, and translational medicine. As South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health sciences university, MUSC provides a highly collaborative environment connecting basic scientists, clinicians, and translational researchers.
The Hollings Cancer Center is South Carolina’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, offering outstanding research infrastructure, advanced shared resources, and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Its strengths in cancer biology, immunology, genomics, and therapeutic development provide an excellent environment for innovative cancer research.
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, MUSC offers an attractive setting for both professional and personal growth. Charleston is a beautiful historic coastal city known for its beaches, warm climate, vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and welcoming community. The city combines the amenities of a growing metropolitan area with the charm and relaxed lifestyle of a coastal community.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary based on NIH postdoctoral stipend guidelines, commensurate with relevant research experience and consistent with MUSC policies. Eligible employees will receive benefits in accordance with university policies.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a publication list.
A brief cover letter describing previous research experience, scientific interests, and the research direction(s) they would like to pursue in our laboratory.
Contact information for 2-3 professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please send application materials to:
Xiao Song, Ph.D.
Email: songx@musc.edu
Email subject: Postdoctoral Application – [Applicant’s Name]
We welcome applications from talented and motivated researchers with diverse scientific backgrounds who are passionate about understanding brain tumor biology and developing innovative cancer therapies.