Post Doctoral Research Scholar

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

This is a two-year post-doctoral appointment (with possible renewal) to provide advance research training to individuals with a doctoral degree in the biological sciences and to further the basic and translational research goals in the Children's Research Institute. The Post Doctoral Research Scholar will conduct high quality research in basic and translational science with a focus on pediatric blood disease, including bone marrow failure and leukemia. The goal of the research is to improve our understanding of aberrant hematopoiesis in order to identify novel molecular targets for more precise prognostication and treatment of pediatric patients. To achieve this goal, model systems include human iPSC, patient-derived iPSC, primary patient cells, and cancer cell lines. The work of the Post Doctoral Research Scholar will be carried out in the context of advancing the basic/translational research goals of the Prosser-Dombrowski Lab at the Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI). Specifically, the role will involve development and maintenance of cell-based models, hematopoietic differentiation techniques, and end-analyses including flow cytometry, molecular techniques, immunofluorescence, and imaging. Experience with stem cell culture and/or flow cytometry is preferred, but not required. The individual will work under the supervision of the principal investigator, but with independent responsibilities in experimentation, scientific troubleshooting, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and poster presentations.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Research will be performed in the general areas of stem cell biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, drug screening, and multiomics.
• The Post Doctoral Research Scholar will contribute to daily operations of the laboratory, including its organization and maintenance.

• Orient new lab members to the laboratory, including its organization, and maintenance
• Train research technicians and trainees in specific techniques as needed.Support lab members by being available for general questions and to help with experimental design or troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• The Post Doctoral Research Scholar will be an active participant in learning/training opportunities within the Hematology/Oncology Division, CMRI, and GME.
• Regular attendance/participation in Division meetings (e.g. Research Enhancement Seminars, Oncology Grant Rounds).
• Regular attendance/participation in CMRI meetings/events (e.g. Academic Scholarship Conferences, Research Month, Aspiring Scientists and Trainees for Research Advancement- ASTRA events).
• Regular attendance/participation in GME-hosted events.

• Ph.D. or MD or related doctoral level degree in a relevant discipline and 1-2 years experience

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Our pay ranges are market competitive and is determined by the NIH guidelines for Post Docs.

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children's Mercy locations and may not work from home.

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.