Postdoctoral Research Fellow:

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the computational lab of Dr. Kasia Rejniak on new exciting interdisciplinary project in breast cancer microinvasions development.

The funded projects will be performed in close collaboration with cancer biologists and clinicians.

"Modeling the Role and Regulation of Reactive Stroma in Breast Ductal Carcinoma Microinvasions" in collaboration with Dr. Mehdi Damaghi.

The first step in upstaging of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is manifested as microinvasions, that is cohorts of cells that breach the basement membrane and penetrate into the surrounding tissue. Our goal is to test whether emergence of reactive stroma is a pre-requisite for initiation of microinvasions and involves metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells.

We will develop an integrated computational-experimental approach to (i) stratify the impact of tumor-derived metabolic conditions on stromal activation; (ii) assess the role of reactive stroma in promoting microinvasions in DCIS; and (iii) evaluate reactive stroma signatures in DCIS histology.

The mathematical and computational methods used by our lab include the individual hybrid cell-based models (ABMs) supported by in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo data, and quantitative analyses of histology and multiplex fluorescent images.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• experience in mathematical methods for modeling biological systems (ABMs or ODEs/PDEs), with a preference for those with knowledge of cancer,
• high motivation and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team,
• demonstrated creativity and ability to work independently and within the group,
• strong programming skills (i.e., Matlab, C/C++, Java, Python, R) for modeling and data analysis.

Rejniak Lab is a part of the Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF file that includes (1) a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, (2) a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, (3) current CV with a list of research presentations and publications, and (4) contact information for three references to Dr. Kasia Rejniak at Kasia.Rejniak@moffitt.org