The University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Kristina Thiel. Research areas include 1) assessing therapeutic efficacy using patient-derived organoid models of gynecology cancer; 2) interrogate the contribution of the tumor microenvironment to therapeutic response. The laboratory employs patient-derived organoid and xenograft models of endometrial and ovarian cancer and multidisciplinary approaches ranging from molecular biology and biochemistry to multiplexed kinetic live cell imaging and next-generation sequencing. Applicants should have strong solid conceptual and research backgrounds in translational studies of women's cancers, immunology and advanced sequencing technologies including miRNA profiling and single-cell RNA sequencing, with a publication record in the field of cancer and/or immunology. Individuals who are highly motivated and willing to develop innovative new techniques to answer critical questions in gynecologic cancer are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to work independently, yet in a collaborative environment with a group of scientists with various levels of expertise.

A PhD or MD/PhD degree in Health Sciences or a related field

• Strong background in cancer biology


• Expertise in immunology


• Expertise in in vivo/in vitro experimentation, molecular/cellular biology and biospecimen handling, as well as experience in microRNA profiling and single-cell RNA-sequencing.


• Proficient in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA isolation and quantification, cDNA synthesis, quantitative Real Time PCR), histological techniques (e.g.,immunohistochemistry), common biochemical techniques (e.g., ELISA, protein isolation, purification, and quantification from human and mouse tissue samples,and immunoblotting), common cell biology techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, FACS and magnetic-assisted cell sorting and immune cell phenotyping) and cell culture techniques (e.g., establishing and maintaining cell lines, immune cell differentiation and stimulation, immune and cell signaling pathway blockade).


• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to independently design and conduct experiments and interpret data.


• Prior experience in writing grants and manuscripts as demonstrated by authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications.

• Knowledge and experience in basic and/or translational studies in women's cancers (breast, ovarian, cervical and/or endometrial) is highly desired


• Hands-on experience in preparation of samples for single-cell RNA sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics analysis is highly desired.


• Prior experience in supervising undergraduates, medical students, and/or graduate students is highly desired.

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