Postdoctoral Research Associate - Breast Cancer Biology

Research in the dos Santos laboratory focuses on how genetic predisposition interacts with systemic and tissue-level factors, including inflammation, infection, pregnancy, aging, and hormonal changes, to influence mammary epithelial cell identity, the tissue microenvironment, and breast cancer initiation. Our studies integrate genetically engineered mouse models, primary mammary organoids, human biospecimens, single-cell genomics, epigenomic profiling, spatial and tissue-imaging approaches, and functional perturbation experiments.

The successful candidate will lead an independent but highly collaborative project examining mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression.

Potential research directions include:

• Defining how systemic inflammatory and physiological signals alter mammary epithelial cell states and breast cancer susceptibility.
• Investigating interactions among epithelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix during early tumorigenesis.
• Identifying mechanisms that promote lineage plasticity in BRCA1-deficient and other genetically susceptible mammary tissues.
• Examining how pregnancy, aging, and hormonal transitions affect mammary tissue organization and tumor risk.
• Developing organoid and in vivo models for mechanistic studies and cancer-interception strategies.
• Investigating the molecular and cellular basis for increased breast cancer risk in Childhood cancer survivors

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret independent research projects.
• Use genetically engineered mouse models, mammary transplantation assays, organoid systems, and mammalian cell culture.
• Perform molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional assays relevant to mammary gland and cancer biology.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to analyze single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial, and other genomic datasets.
• Maintain rigorous and reproducible experimental records.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, and research proposals.
• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and other junior laboratory members.
• Contribute to a rigorous, collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually engaging laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong record of scientific productivity and evidence of independent research ability.
• Experience with at least one of the following: mouse models, organoid culture, molecular and cellular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, epigenomics, or computational analysis.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects.
• Commitment to rigorous, reproducible, and ethical research.

Applicants with complementary expertise in immunology, stromal biology, developmental biology, aging, metabolism, bioengineering, or computational genomics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research Environment

The dos Santos laboratory is located within the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude provides an exceptional multidisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art shared resources in animal modeling, organoid biology, flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, single-cell and spatial genomics, proteomics, computational biology, genome engineering, and biostatistics. The successful candidate will receive close scientific mentorship and support in developing an independent research identity. Opportunities are available for interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, conference participation, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and career advancement in academic, clinical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research.