**Why Mayo Clinic** Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/benefits/) – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic. You’ll thrive in an environment that supports innovation, is committed to ending racism and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, and provides the resources you need to succeed. **Benefits Highlights** + Medical: Multiple plan options. + Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage. + Vision: Affordable plan with national network. + Pre-Tax Savings: HSAs and FSAs for medical expenses. + Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future. **Responsibilities** The Laboratory of Drs. Lou/Mutter/Callaghan at Mayo Clinic's world-renowned Cancer Center and Novel Therapeutics and Therapeutic Modalities Program is seeking a motivated **post-doctoral research fellow** to join our dynamic team. We focus on cutting-edge research in DNA Damage Response and Radiation Biology for cancer therapy. Our mission is to uncover the fundamental mechanisms of cancer-specific therapeutic resistance to improve patient outcomes. This opportunity will focus on rectal cancer, particle beam radiotherapy, DNA Repair Inhibitors, and immunotherapy. **Who We Are** . Dr. Zhenkun Lou is a world-leading expert in DNA damage biology with multiple NIH funded grants and publications in leading journals in the field. Drs. Cameron Callaghan and Robert Mutter are physician-scientists in Radiation Oncology with experience in translational clinical trials as well as mechanistic pre-clinical research. Our lab thrives in the collaborative environment, working with a diverse group of leading cancer biologist, clinicians, and world-wide investigators. We are committed to exploring radiation and DNA damage/repair for cancer therapy. We address questions like – What is the best way to radiosensitize CRC while limiting normal tissue toxicity? What are unique aspects of DNA Damage caused by high-LET radiation such as Bragg Peak protons/alpha/carbon particle therapy? How can high-LET radiation and small molecule DNA Repair Inhibitors be used to increase the response of pMMR rectal cancer to immunotherapy? **Research Focus** . You will lead cutting-edge projects centered on novel radiation techniques, small molecule radiosensitizers, and immunotherapy for rectal cancer. You’ll use state-of-the-art techniques and develop novel ones, like BP proton irradiation in murine models of tumors and normal tissue, and in vitro alpha particle irradiation. Expect to integrate your findings with advanced imaging approaches, including multiplexed IF, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, WES, and spatialomics in tumor models and patient-derived tissues. Your research will be at the heart of uncovering how the unique damage caused by high-LET radiation can be used for cancer-specific radiosensitization and prime cancer cells to immunotherapy. **Qualifications** . A Ph.D. with experience in Cancer Biology, Radiobiology, DNA Damage/Repair, Immunology, or a related field is preferred but not required. Most importantly, we are looking for passion for scientific discovery, problem-solving skills, and a drive for excellence and independence. **Why Join Us?** The Callaghan/Mutter/Lou Lab is not just a place to work—it’s a place to grow, discover, and make a difference! With access to top-notch resources, mentorship, and training, you will have every opportunity to advance your career. Present your findings at major conferences, engage with the global research community, and mentor the next generation of scientists. We are here to support your journey toward becoming an independent and impactful researcher. **Lab Culture** . We believe in the power of teamwork, diversity, and celebrating our wins together. Expect a fun, inclusive atmosphere with regular lab meetings, social events, and shared learning experiences. **Some examples of our work** : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2023.01.003 https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-022-00429-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2023.02.004 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16443-x https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drup.2024.101085 https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-2960 https://doi.org/10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-24-0003 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.10.012 **Qualifications** Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the program. Research Fellow is appropriate for individuals who have completed no more than one prior postdoctoral fellowship, at Mayo Clinic or elsewhere. **Exemption Status** Exempt **Compensation Detail** Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended. **Benefits Eligible** Yes **Schedule** Full Time **Hours/Pay Period** 80 **International Assignment** No **Site Description** Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/alllocations) **Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer** As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Mayo Clinic is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available. **Recruiter** Kara Schott **Equal opportunity** As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Mayo Clinic is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.