Post Doctoral Research Scholar

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Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

 

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

This is a Post Doctoral Research Scholar appointment to carry out advanced research by individuals with a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences and to further the translational research goals of the Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI). The work of the Scholar will be carried out in the Dan Zhao Lab at CMRI. The Zhao Lab focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response, with an emphasis on translating these insights into innovative treatments for pediatric patients. The lab focuses on key oncogenic drivers and elucidating mechanisms of oncogenic signaling, protein stability, and immune evasion. By integrating biochemistry, molecular genetics, and immunology, the lab will develop novel therapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, DNA vaccines, and targeted protein degraders. The goal is to apply artificial intelligence and experimental validation to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and develop molecular and cellular therapeutics against major drivers in pediatric cancers. Specifically, the role will involve fundamental discovery and clinical translation by targeting previously “undruggable” oncoproteins and harnessing the immune system to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The individual will work under the supervision of the principal investigators, with responsibilities in laboratory experimentation, scientific troubleshooting, manuscript preparation, and poster presentations.

 

 

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

 

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original laboratory research under the supervision of the principal investigator.
• Analyze research data and perform troubleshooting.
• Prepare manuscripts and deliver presentations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date research records and adhere to compliance policies.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, and professional development activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MD or related doctoral level degree in a relevant discipline and 1-2 years experience

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $28.39/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

 

 

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

 

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

 

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.