The Molecular Targets Program (MTP) of the National Cancer Institute's Center for Cancer Research
(NCI's CCR) has postdoctoral positions available in its Protein Chemistry and Molecular Biology Section
(PCMBS). The PCMBS uses its expertise in protein chemistry, biophysics, enzymology, molecular
biology and screening to adapt CCR basic science laboratory findings into high throughput cell-free
screens for the interrogation of pure compound and pre-fractionated natural product libraries. In addition,
we use these same skills to discover and characterize novel bioactive proteins from natural product extracts
that increase our knowledge of protein structure and function, address diseases and molecular targets of
interest, and potentially lead to clinical development.
1. The first position is for a scientist with experience in biochemistry and enzymology. The selected
candidate will be expected to conduct investigations into adapting laboratory cancer biology
discoveries on molecular targets of interest for cancer into bioassays and high-throughput screens
for the discovery of novel natural products. The candidate will also be involved in mechanism of
action studies on natural products that display inhibitory activity against targets of interest.
2. The second position is for a researcher with experience in molecular biology and protein chemistry.
Applicants should have experience in the isolation, physical and functional characterization of
proteins and in the genetic engineering of proteins for expression in E. coli systems. The successful
candidate will engage in efforts to isolate or engineer new bioactive proteins and peptides with
activity against cancer, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2.
The positions are located at the NCI at Frederick Maryland campus. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in
biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, biophysics, pharmacognosy or a related discipline from an
accredited research institution within the last three years. The fellowship duration is for a maximum of 5
years based on performance and yearly evaluations. The fellowship is not restricted to U.S. citizens. The
fellowship stipend starts at $54,100 per annum and is determined based on qualifications and years of
relevant experience. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV with bibliography, and three letters of
reference to MTP_PostDoc@nih.gov or directly to Dr. Barry R. O‚'Keefe at okeefeba@mail.nih.gov .
More information about the Molecular Targets Program is available here:
https://ccr.cancer.gov/molecular-targets-program.
This position is subject to a background investigation. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse
community in its training and employment programs; underrepresented minority candidates are
encouraged to apply
