Summary
The Song Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience and Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This position targets investigators interested in glioma biology, RNA alternative splicing, tumor metabolism, and tumor-immune interactions. The lab uses functional genomics, transcriptomics, iPSC models, and preclinical tumor models to identify mechanisms of glioma progression and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Area
Brain Tumor Biology, RNA Splicing, and Cancer Immunology
Location
Song Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Hollings Cancer Center
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, or a related field.
- Strong background in molecular and cellular biology with demonstrated research productivity.
- Ability to independently design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and scientific writing skills.
- Motivation to pursue innovative biomedical research and work collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in RNA biology, alternative splicing, or transcriptomics.
- Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas gene editing or functional genomic screening.
- Background in cancer biology, tumor immunology, or tumor microenvironment research.
- Experience with iPSC culture, differentiation, or stem cell biology.
- Knowledge of macrophage or microglia biology.
- Skills in flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, or preclinical animal models.
- Bioinformatics experience, including single-cell RNA-seq or other high-throughput sequencing analyses.
Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all these areas; applicants with strong research experience in any of these fields are encouraged to apply.
Job Description
The successful candidate will join a newly established, well-funded laboratory and pursue one or more research directions aligned with their expertise and interests. The lab provides access to patient-derived glioma stem-like cells, iPSC-derived microglia platforms, and advanced molecular and functional genomic approaches. Opportunities include first-author publications, conference presentations, and support for career development.
Primary Research Opportunities
-
Functional discovery of alternative splicing dependencies in glioma
Develop and apply exon-centric CRISPR screening and RNA-sequencing approaches to identify splicing alterations that drive glioma growth and therapy resistance. -
Alternative splicing and sphingolipid metabolism
Study coordinated splicing of sphingolipid metabolism genes to understand metabolic reprogramming, progression, and therapeutic response in glioma using lipidomics and preclinical models. -
Targeting RNA splicing factors for glioma therapy
Investigate roles of splicing factors (e.g., PTBP1) in glioma progression and innate immune responses, and evaluate therapeutic strategies in patient-derived and mouse models. -
iPSC-derived microglia and glioma immunotherapy
Explore how human iPSC-derived microglia recognize and phagocytose glioma cells, identify determinants of tumor susceptibility to phagocytosis, and develop engineered microglia as cellular immunotherapies.
Research Environment and Career Development
The Song Laboratory is supported by institutional start-up funds, NIH/NINDS R21 awards, and a Department of Defense Career Development Award. MUSC and the Hollings Cancer Center provide extensive shared resources and an interdisciplinary environment. Postdoctoral fellows receive mentorship, access to core facilities, and support for publishing and grant applications as they develop toward independent academic or industry careers.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation follows NIH postdoctoral stipend guidelines and is commensurate with research experience, consistent with MUSC policies. Eligible employees receive benefits according to university policies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single email to Dr. Xiao Song:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication list
- Brief cover letter describing past research experience, scientific interests, and the research direction(s) you wish to pursue in the lab
- Contact information for 2–3 professional references
Email: songx@musc.edu
Email subject line: Postdoctoral Application – [Applicant’s Name]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Last Date for Apply
Open until filled (rolling review). Applications are reviewed as they are received; early application is encouraged.
Apply Link
For full position details and updates, visit the lab posting: https://songxlab.com/post/2026-10-13-postdoc-position/
Contact
Xiao Song, Ph.D.
Department of Neuroscience, Hollings Cancer Center
Medical University of South Carolina
