Postdoctoral Fellowships in Genomic Instability at UT Southwestern (USA) – Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Cancer Genomics

Researchers interested in genome biology, cancer evolution, and genomic instability have an exciting opportunity to join the Ly Laboratory at the Children's Medical Center Research Institute, Children's Medical Center Research Institute and UT Southwestern Medical Center. The laboratory of Dr. Peter Ly is currently recruiting two Postdoctoral Fellows to investigate the fundamental mechanisms of genomic instability and their implications for human disease and cancer progression.

Position Overview

The Ly Lab focuses on understanding how errors during cell division reshape the cancer genome and drive tumor evolution. The team recently discovered that direct cell-to-cell contact can mediate the transfer of genomic DNA between human cells, revealing a previously unrecognized mechanism of genome exchange with potentially significant implications for physiology and disease. Researchers in the laboratory use a wide range of cutting-edge approaches, including:

• High-resolution live-cell imaging
• Cytogenetics
• CRISPR-based genetic screens
• Computational genomics
• Cancer biology models
• Organoid systems
• Advanced microscopy techniques

The lab is embedded within a highly collaborative research environment with strong expertise in:

• Cancer Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Genomics Cell Biology
• Metabolism

Research Areas
Successful candidates will contribute to projects related to:

Genomic Instability
• Understanding how chromosome mis-segregation and DNA damage contribute to cancer development.
• Intercellular DNA Transfer
• Exploring newly discovered mechanisms through which genomic DNA can move between human cells.

Cancer Evolution
• Investigating how genomic alterations drive tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.
Genome Engineering
• Applying CRISPR technologies and advanced genomic approaches to study genome dynamics.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
• A Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree before starting the position.
• Strong research experience in at least one of the following areas:
• Mouse models
• Organoid systems
• Advanced microscopy
• Computational genomics
• Cancer biology
• Cell biology
• Molecular biology

The laboratory is particularly interested in candidates who:
• Are passionate about answering fundamental biological questions.
• Can develop independent research projects.
• Enjoy working in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits
• Selected postdoctoral researchers will benefit from:
• Mentorship toward independent academic careers.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
• Collaborative scientific environment.
• Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals.
• Training in advanced imaging, genomics, and genome engineering technologies.
• Networking opportunities with leading scientists in cancer and genome biology.

Application Documents

• Interested candidates should submit:
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter describing: Research interests Career goals Relevant experience
• Contact information for three professional references

Tips of writing a outstanding cover letter

Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Contact Information
Dr. Peter Ly, Ph.D.
Children's Medical Center Research Institute
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, USA
Email: [email protected]

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This position offers a rare opportunity to work on the emerging field of intercellular DNA transfer, a discovery that could reshape our understanding of genome biology, cancer evolution, and human disease. Researchers with interests in cancer genomics, chromosome biology, genome instability, and advanced microscopy will find an exceptional environment for scientific growth and career development.