A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Nadya Dimitrova, Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University. Research in the Dimitrova laboratory focuses on investigating the roles of a novel class of genes, called long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer biology. To date, lncRNAs have remained largely uncharacterized but emerging evidence suggests an involvement in a broad range of biological processes and in human disease, including cancer. We select candidates based on their regulation by key oncogenes and tumor suppressors or based on their involvement in cancer processes, such as the DNA damage response, oncogenic transformation, and metastasis. Our goal is to understand how candidate lncRNAs contribute to oncogenic and tumor suppressive networks at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level and how deregulation of lncRNAs leads to cellular transformation and tumor development. At the molecular level, we aim to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which cis- and trans-regulatory lncRNAs fine-tune oncogenic and tumor suppressive networks by modulating transcriptional and translational pathways. At the cellular level, we aim to understand how lncRNAs participate in the decision-making processes in complex transcriptional networks and what are the consequences of lncRNA activity for cellular homeostasis and stress response. Finally, to bring insights into the vastly understudied contribution of lncRNAs to tumorigenesis in vivo, we are testing how inappropriate expression of regulatory lncRNAs influences tumor development in mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma.

A successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. degree, will be highly motivated to perform cutting edge research and to interact with a dynamic, young group of investigators. Candidates from diverse scientific backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.