T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ovarian/Breast Cancer Research

We are seeking candidates for a T32 postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Jaeyeon Kim in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM-Indianapolis) and IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Kim studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of ovarian and breast cancer with genetically engineered mouse models and human specimens. The current research focus is to elucidate a conundrum surrounding high cancer risks and distinct cancer susceptibility among BRCA1 carriers. Despite the fact that every cell in their body has a harmful BRCA1 mutation, these women are predisposed particularly to ovarian and breast cancers. It remains a mystery. A seminal study (PNAS 2020; PMID: 33262282) from his lab points to the ovarian hormone progesterone as the culprit for BRCA1 carriers’ distinctive susceptibility to ovarian and breast cancer. Integrating this novel insight and unique Brca1 mouse models, his lab is seeking to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the progesterone regulation of ovarian and breast cancer development in BRCA1 carriers—with an emphasis on DNA damage/repair, cell-cycle checkpoint regulation, and immune modulation. This innovative, high-impact research will not only reveal a basic molecular mechanism of cancer susceptibility with BRCA1 mutations, but this knowledge will also offer an innovative strategy for the effective nonsurgical prevention and control of these formidable cancers wreaking havoc on women.

     A successful candidate for this position will be supported by an NCI-funded T32 postdoctoral fellowship from the Interdisciplinary Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The financial package for this fellowship is as follows:

(1) Stipend: $64, 840/year (up to 3 yrs); stipend amount increases each year with experience.

(2) Tuition: 60% of the combined amount requested for tuition and fees up to $4,500 per year.
(3) Travel: $1000/year
(4) Training Expenses: $11,950/year
(5) Health Insurance
(6) Childcare cost reimbursement up to $2500/year

An eligible candidate should be a US citizen or a permanent resident (green card) with a PhD degree in a relevant area of biological/life sciences. If you are interested in this T32 postdoctoral training, please send (in pdf) CV (including eligibility, detailed research experience, and names of three references) to Dr. Jaeyeon Kim at jaeyeonk@iu.edu and prko15@gmail.com.

As the nation’s largest medical school, IUSM is committed to being an institution that not only reflects the diversity of the learners we teach and the patient populations we serve, but also pursues the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence. We desire candidates who enhance our representational diversity, as well as those whose work contributes to equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty. IUSM strives to take an anti-racist stance, regularly evaluating and updating its policies, procedures, and practices to confer equitable opportunities for contribution and advancement for all members of our community. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to advance racial equity to transform health and wellbeing for all throughout the state of Indiana.