Why Mayo Clinic
The Research shield at Mayo Clinic is committed to creating a diverse environment and recognizes that diverse research teams make better decisions, are more equipped to solve complex problems and adapt to change, and produce better outcomes. That diversity is about opening up to unconventional ideas that create better outcomes, while recognizing colleagues' unique contributions. Become part of the legacy that embraces these differences and enables us to provide the best care to patients from all over the world.

Mayo Clinic offers a variety of employee benefits. For additional information please visit Mayo Clinic Benefits. Eligibility may vary.

Position description
The Laboratory of Drs. Zhenkun Lou, Robert Mutter, and Cameron Callaghan at Mayo Clinic is seeking applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in proton/particle beam radiotherapy, colorectal cancer, and normal GI tissue toxicity.
Highly motivated individuals with a desire to generate preclinical knowledge with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of patients with cancer are encouraged to apply. Drs. Lou, Mutter and Callaghan studies focus on signaling pathways that are activated by DNA damage induced by radiation, chemotherapy, and other targeted treatments. DNA damage activates a signaling cascade called DNA damage response (DDR) pathway that initiates DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. The variable Linear Energy Transfer (LET) of particle beam radiotherapy can be optimized to place the more biologically effective portion of the beam in gross tumor while potentially placing the less toxic portion in normal tissue. Emerging data highlights the critical importance of LET and DDR pathways in normal tissue toxicity and tumor efficacy. Thus, understanding this pathway is critical to opening a therapeutic window and improving outcomes of cancer patients. Drs. Lou and Mutter have track records of translating discoveries from their laboratory to the bedside in clinical trials for high-risk breast cancer and Dr. Callaghan has a background in cancer redox metabolism and normal GI tissue radioprotection. In one project, the successful candidate will identify and validate new therapeutic targets that impact the efficacy of novel radiation modalities, including proton and carbon ion therapy. Mayo Clinic is a world leader in particle therapy and is scheduled to open the first clinical carbon ion therapy center in the United States. Thus, these studies will provide a framework for the future of personalized medicine with particle therapy, including optimal combination approaches, at Mayo Clinic in the years ahead.

A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide training and education in research. Individuals will train in the research program of a Mayo Clinic principal investigator. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer-reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants. Proof of English proficiency is required for J-1 Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

The following is required for completeness of application:

• Current curriculum vitae with bibliography
• Proof of doctoral degree (copy of diploma or final transcript with English translation, if applicable) or a letter from your university's Registrar office indicating you have fulfilled all doctoral program requirements and are eligible to graduate.

Please also be prepared that you may be asked to provide three letters of recommendation to the hiring PI prior to an interview.

Qualifications
Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the program. Research Fellow is appropriate for individuals who have completed no more than one prior postdoctoral fellowship, at Mayo Clinic or elsewhere.


Benefits eligible
Yes

Schedule
Full Time

International Assignment
No

Site description
Mayo Clinic is located in the heart of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, a vibrant, friendly city that provides a highly livable environment for more than 34,000 Mayo staff and students. The city is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States because of its affordable cost of living, healthy lifestyle, excellent school systems and exceptionally high quality of life.

Recruiter
Kara Schott