Post Doctoral Fellow - The Handler Laboratory

The Handler Laboratory at Emory University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Jesse Handler, is seeking a passionate and driven Postdoctoral Fellow to join our founding team. Our lab is dedicated to uncovering the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that drive pancreatic and colorectal cancer metastasis and drug resistance — and to translating these discoveries into new therapies and diagnostics. We employ cutting-edge approaches in genome engineering, synthetic biology, genomics, and computational biology to illuminate the regulatory networks governing neoplastic cells and tissues.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead innovative projects that integrate wet-lab and dry-lab technologies. Fellows will be encouraged to develop independent lines of inquiry within the lab’s mission while also contributing to collaborative, team-based efforts. We are seeking a scientist whose curiosity, creativity, and passion inspire them to pursue ambitious scientific directions through bold approaches with the potential for transformative impact.

The Handler Lab uncovers mechanistic insights primarily through genetic manipulation (e.g., DNA barcodes, CRISPRKO/a/i, shRNAs) coupled with epigenomic readouts in cancer models. Findings from the lab are validated using patient-derived data, which in turn guides the design of further experimentation — establishing a “bench-to-bedside-to-bench” research cycle that fuels discovery and innovation.

As one of the first postdoctoral fellows in the Handler Lab, you will play a central role in shaping both the lab’s scientific direction and its culture. Dr. Handler is deeply committed to the success of trainees and will provide close mentorship to support your career development. Fellows can expect: weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings with Dr. Handler; close collaboration within an interdisciplinary, high-energy team; opportunities for first-author publications in high-impact journals; the chance to present your work at seminars and national meetings; inventorship opportunities on patents; experience writing and contributing to fellowship and grant applications; and tailored support for building an independent research program and preparing for the next stage of your career (e.g., academic faculty, industry leadership, or other preferred career trajectories). Our team operates as a highly functional and collaborative unit, with each member taking ownership of their specific roles. Together, we strive to bridge the gap between mechanistic research and patient care.

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.