A post-doctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Stavroula Kousteni at the Physiology Dept. (also member of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Columbia Stem Cell Initiative). We are a dynamic, highly-collaborative group that investigates research topics at the interface of genetics, stem cell, and cancer biology https://biology.columbia.edu/people/kousteni and https://www.stemcell.columbia.edu/csci-member-spotlight/july-2019-kousteni-lab

We study the multiple functions of mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate, with an emphasis in the development of myeloid hematological malignancies: Myelodysplasia (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Specifically, we are exploring how extrinsic factors triggered from the bone marrow stroma microenvironment can affect growth of disease-initiating stem cells from healthy HSCs in MDS or AML as well as the transformation of MDS to AML. We are also identifying and characterizing myeloid-inducing mutations in cells of the bone marrow stroma. Those affect various stages of the diseases, from pathogenesis to transformation of MDS to AML. In these studies, we use a combination of mouse models, patient-derived cells and large sequencing approaches.

We are seeking highly-motivated applicants with a Ph.D. degree, preferentially with a background in stem cell biology and/or cancer research. Expertise with genetic mouse models (overexpression, knockout and knockin), flow cytometry, tissue culture, imaging techniques, single-cell sequencing, genomic analyses would be advantageous.

To apply, please send a CV, detailed description of research experience and future interests, and the names of three references to Stavroula Kousteni, Ph.D. at sk2836@cumc.columbia.edu.