Postdoctoral Scholar

The Eksi Lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow with expertise in cancer biology , neurobiology , or neuroimmunology . Our research focuses on how sympathetic nerve signaling remodels the tumor microenvironment to drive cancer progression, with emphasis on prostate and pancreatic cancers . We are particularly interested in the bidirectional communication between tumor-innervating neurons, cancer cells, and immune populations such as mast cells . Our lab integrates spatial proteomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and epigenomics , and advanced 3D ex vivo and in vivo mouse models to dissect neural regulation of cancer. We are specifically seeking candidates with a strong background in ex vivo and in vivo cancer models , including experience in mammalian cell culture, imaging techniques , and a deep interest in uncovering cancer-nerve interactions, whether from a neuroscience or cancer biology perspective. Scientific curiosity and the ability to work across disciplines are essential. Select references: • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10555-025-10241-x • https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01893-5 • https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27615-8 • https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)17240-4 • https://www.eu-focus.europeanurology.com/article/S2405-4569(23)00077-9/fulltext • https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/lc/d5lc00134j • https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.06.626879v2 (accepted to Cell Reports Methods) • M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or Ph.D. • Minimum of 3 years as a graduate student • Specialty: Molecular Biology, cell biology, genome sciences, epigenomics, or related field • Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems • Passion for science and inquiry • Ability to synthesize one’s own results and others to formulate hypotheses • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time • Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships • Ability to synthesize scientific projects and communicate science to diverse audiences • Experience with cell culture • Experience with microscopy • Experience with NGS • Experience with data analysis • Experience with patient sample processing • M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or Ph.D. • Minimum of 3 years as a graduate student • Specialty: Molecular Biology, cell biology, genome sciences, epigenomics, or related field • Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills • Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems • Passion for science and inquiry • Ability to synthesize one’s own results and others to formulate hypotheses • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time • Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously • Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships • Ability to synthesize scientific projects and communicate science to diverse audiences • Experience with cell culture • Experience with microscopy • Experience with NGS • Experience with data analysis • Experience with patient sample processing