The Laboratory of Drs. Lou/Mutter/Callaghan at Mayo Clinic's world-renowned Cancer Center and Novel Therapeutics and Therapeutic Modalities Program is seeking a motivated post-doctoral fellow to join our dynamic team. We focus on cutting-edge research in DNA Damage Response and Radiation Biology for cancer therapy including their interplay with anti-tumor immunity. Our mission is to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of cancer-specific therapeutic resistance to improve patient outcomes. This opportunity will focus on rectal cancer, particle beam radiotherapy, DNA Repair Inhibitors, and immunotherapy.

Who We Are. Dr. Zhenkun Lou is a world-leading expert in DNA damage biology with multiple NIH funded grants and publications in leading journals in the field. Drs. Cameron Callaghan and Robert Mutter are physician-scientists in Radiation Oncology with experience in translational clinical trials as well as mechanistic pre-clinical research. Our lab thrives in the collaborative environment, working with a diverse group of leading cancer biologists, clinicians, and world-wide investigators. We are committed to exploring radiation and DNA damage/repair for cancer therapy. We address questions like – What is the best way to radiosensitize rectal cancer while limiting normal tissue toxicity? What are unique aspects of DNA Damage caused by high-Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation such as Bragg Peak protons/alpha/carbon particle therapy? How can high-LET radiation and small molecule DNA Repair Inhibitors be used to increase the response of proficient Mismatch Repair (pMMR) rectal cancer to immunotherapy? 

Research Focus. You will lead cutting-edge projects centered on novel radiation techniques, small molecule radiosensitizers, and immunotherapy for rectal cancer. You’ll use state-of-the-art techniques and develop novel ones, like BP proton irradiation in murine models of tumors and normal tissue, and in vitro alpha particle irradiation. Expect to integrate your findings with advanced imaging approaches, including multiplexed IF, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, WES, and spatialomics in tumor models and patient-derived tissues. Your research will be at the heart of uncovering how the unique damage caused by high-LET radiation can be used for cancer-specific radiosensitization and prime cancer cells to immunotherapy.


Qualifications. A Ph.D. with experience in Cancer Biology, Radiobiology, DNA Damage/Repair, Immunology, or a related field is preferred, but not required. Most importantly, we are looking for passion for scientific discovery, problem-solving skills, and a drive for excellence and independence. 

Why Join Us? The Callaghan/Mutter/Lou Lab is not just a place to work—it’s a place to grow, discover, and make a difference! With access to top-notch resources, mentorship, and training, you will have every opportunity to advance your career. Present your findings at major conferences, engage with the global research community, and mentor the next generation of scientists. We are here to support your journey toward becoming an independent and impactful researcher. 

Lab Culture. We believe in the power of teamwork, diversity, and celebrating our wins together. Expect a fun, inclusive atmosphere with regular lab meetings, social events, and shared learning experiences. 

Some examples of our work:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.003

https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-022-00429-3

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2023.02.004

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16443-x

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drup.2024.101085

https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-2960

https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-24-0003

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.10.012

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.