POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP in CONDITIONAL MOUSE GENETICS of MEDULLOBLASTOMA

This mentored position will empower the candidate to create and analyze complex conditional genetic mouse models of pediatric cancers for the purpose of developing novel molecular therapies. The primary project for this project is understanding the role of growth factors in the progression of the childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma. Using conditional alleles to activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressors in restricted neural stem cell subtypes before or after birth, the candidate will determine the cell of origin of medulloblastoma, as well as the role of neighboring cells in determining histological subtype. The principal focus is to examine the role of specific tyrosine receptor kinases in tumor proliferation and metastasis. The candidate will elucidate the time sequence of tumor progression and metastasis via state of the art small animal imaging tools. Employing genetics, molecular biology, and functional genomics the candidate will identify critical factors o!
f tumor maintenance and tumor progression from which new therapies can be developed.

The Keller laboratory, located in the Childrens Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), has excellent resources and a strong commitment to training motivated postdoctoral fellows. Dr. Keller is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist and prior trainee of Mario R. Capecchi, the inventor of the knockout mouse. The CCRI provides state of the art research facilities and a highly interactive scientific community. This $45M freestanding institute, with a $200M endowment from the State of Texas, is lead by the previous Pediatric Oncology Group Chair, Dr. Sharon B. Murphy.

The CCRI and UTHSCSA provide an environment to collaborate with other groups in a variety of related disciplines from cancer development and genomic instability to cell cycle, cell biology and aging. As part of UTHSCSA, a highly motivated successful individual will be able to develop several areas of expertise.

Candidates with experience in molecular biology or biochemistry are desirable. Salary is commensurate with the National Institutes of Health salary scale and includes competitive benefits. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a list of at least three references, including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, to the following address:

Charles Keller, MD
Assistant Professor,
Department of Cellular & Structural Biology
Children's Cancer Research Institute -
The University of Texas Health Science Center

7703 Floyd Curl Drive , MC7783
San Antonio , TX 78229-3900
210-562-9062 [office]
210-562-9014 [fax]
Email: kellerc2@uthscsa.edu
http://ccri.uthscsa.edu or
http://www.sarcomalab.org