A fully funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Myriam Labelle at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, USA. The Labelle laboratory studies the role of the microenvironment in cancer progression and metastasis, with major efforts dedicated to elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which blood platelets, granulocytes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) cooperate to promote metastasis (Cancer Cell, 20(5): 576-90, 2011; PNAS, 111(30): E3053-61, 2014). In recent work (EMBO J, 38(16): e101302, 2019), we discovered that WISP1, a factor secreted by tumor cells upon interactions with platelets, promotes metastasis by inducing collagen linearization in tumors. We are now interested in further understanding the molecular basis of platelet-tumor cells and WISP1-ECM interactions and how they can be targeted to prevent cancer metastasis and improve the survival of cancer patients. Current studies are conducted leveraging a wide array of model systems and techniques including novel mouse models of metastasis, patient-derived xenografts, in vitro co-culture systems, and advanced microscopy approaches.

We are looking for a highly motivated and organized individual to join our team. The applicant should have strong communication skills, the ability to work independentlyand as part of collaborative research efforts, and a strong desire to make a major contribution to the field of cancer metastasis.

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an outstanding research environment, state-of-the-art scientific resources and facilities, and a community of highly collaborative investigators.

Minimum Experience

Candidates should have recently earned or expect to earn a Ph.D. and have a strong background in molecular and cell biology. Experience in cancer metastasis or platelet biology research is preferred but not required.

Please send a cover letter describing research interests and accomplishments, CV and the names and addresses of three references to myriam.labelle@stjude.org.