Postdoctoral Position

Description:
A postdoctoral position is available to study the regulation of host protein synthesis during carcinogenesis induced by oncogenic viruses including Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV small T antigen modulates host translation factors to exert its oncogenic activities [1,2]. By using viral oncoproteins as a probe, we will investigate host translational regulation pathways involved in tumorigenesis. A successful candidate will gain experience in performing gene expression analysis, cell culture-based transformation assays, and polysome fractionation assays. The work will require experience in cell culture, microscopy, transfections, and viral gene transductions.

1.Shuda M, Kwun HJ, Feng H, Chang Y, Moore PS (2011) Human Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen is an oncoprotein targeting the 4E-BP1 translation regulator. J Clin Invest 121: 3623-3634.
2. Shuda M, Velasquez C, Cheng E, Cordek DG, Kwun HJ, et al. (2015) CDK1 substitutes for mTOR kinase to activate mitotic cap-dependent protein translation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. published on line.

Qualifications:
A successful candidate must have a PhD or an equivalent degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field with experience in cell biology and virology. Other preferred qualifications include research experience in cellular translational regulation research, cancer virology, and cancer biology. The selected candidate is expected to commence the appointment in Summer 2015.

How To Apply:
If interested, please send letter of interest, CV, and names of three references by e-mail to:
Dr. Masahiro Shuda, Ph.D.
Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
E-mail: masa.shuda@gmail.com

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