Genetics and Genomics of Pancreatic Cancer Postdoctoral Fellowship

Work with Dr. Laufey Amundadottir.

The core focus of our lab is to map and interrogate the mechanisms by which inherited risk variants predispose individuals to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). With the results of a new GWAS study in hand (from 38,000 PDAC patients and over 2 million control subjects) we are conducting large scale genomic screens to study the underlying biology of risk in the presence of inflammatory signals that mimic known PDAC risk factors.

The postdoctoral fellow will utilize primary pancreatic cell populations from organ donors and induced pancreatic organoid cultures (iPSC-derived) as well as both large scale (across all risk signals) genomic screens to identify target genes and mechanisms mediating PDAC risk. This position provides the opportunity to work collaboratively with other NCI groups focusing on exocrine pancreatic gene regulatory networks, the use of genomic approaches in primary human pancreatic organoid cultures, and statistical genetics.

Current Research Areas

• Identifying germline variants that influence PDAC risk
• Defining gene regulatory mechanisms and pathways underlying PDAC risk signals
• Characterizing molecular QTLs (eQTLs, sQTLs, meQTLs, and caQTLs) in primary purified exocrine pancreatic cell populations and organoids
• Defining genetic regulation of master regulators, including transcription factors and other key gene regulatory proteins
• Developing and applying primary human pancreatic organoid and iPSC models to investigate mechanisms of inherited PDAC risk
• Defining how cellular stress and inflammatory signaling influence the effects of inherited PDAC risk variants.

Experimental Approaches

• Functional genomic screens at inherited risk signals for PDAC
• Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRA)
• CRISPR/Cas9 perturbation screens - both genome wide and focused on specific risk signals
• CRISPR/Cas9 editing of candidate functional risk variants
• Primary pancreatic organoid cultures and their genetic manipulation
• Human iPSC differentiation and genetic manipulation
• Inducible gene expression and knockdown systems
• Proteomics and functional assessment of coding and noncoding variants (i.e., oligo pulldown – proteomics) from GWAS and other gene mapping approaches.

Prior experience with large-scale genomics screens, primary cell models, high-throughput sequencing technologies, and computational analyses is helpful but not required. Curiosity, creativity, scientific rigor, and enthusiasm are more important.

Candidates should have (or expect to receive), a Ph.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. with less than 5 years of experience in an academic or industry setting.

Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

The Amundadottir Lab is committed to mentorship and career development. Postdoctoral associates will receive support in developing an independent research vision, publishing impactful work, applying for fellowships and grants, presenting at conferences, mentoring trainees, and preparing for future careers in academia, industry, or related fields.

DHHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers.

NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.