Publisher
source

National Cancer Institute

Postdoctoral Fellow in mRNA Modifications and Therapeutics National Cancer Institute in United States

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Postdoctoral full-time position with salary starting at $68,544 plus benefits.

Deadline

Dec 18, 2026

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Country

United States

University

National Cancer Institute

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Immunology
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Rna Biology
Mass Spectrometry
Medical Science
Rna-seq
Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Language Translation

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About this position

Postdoctoral Fellow position in mRNA modifications and therapeutics at the National Cancer Institute (Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression) in Bethesda, Maryland, United States.

The Oberdoerffer laboratory studies how RNA modifications regulate translation, with a focus on N4-acetylcytidine (ac⁴C), and how these principles can be used to improve mRNA-based therapies. The project builds on recent work showing that elongation rate is a key determinant of how modifications affect the yield and fidelity of protein synthesis from synthetic mRNAs. The lab is now investigating how modification chemistry and codon sequence shape elongation kinetics to design safer and more effective therapeutics, including applications in cancer settings.

Research approaches include mRNA synthesis and delivery, quantitative translation assays, RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and imaging. Suitable backgrounds include RNA biology, translation, molecular or cell biology, nucleic acid chemistry, immunology, or related fields. Prior experience with synthetic mRNA is not required.

Eligibility: applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree and have no more than two years of postdoctoral experience. The position is full time and fixed term. Salary starts at $68,544 plus benefits.

How to apply: email a CV, bibliography, cover letter, and the names/contact information of three references to Dr. Shalini Oberdoerffer at [email protected]. Review of applications begins 2026-11-02 and continues until the position is filled.

Funding details

Postdoctoral full-time position with salary starting at $68,544 plus benefits.

What's required

Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree and have no more than two years of postdoctoral experience. Candidates with backgrounds in RNA biology, translation, molecular or cell biology, nucleic acid chemistry, immunology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with synthetic mRNA is not required.

How to apply

Send a CV and bibliography, a cover letter describing research accomplishments and interest in the laboratory, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Shalini Oberdoerffer by email. Review begins on 2026-11-02 and applications are accepted until the position is filled.

More information can be found here

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