A postdoctoral fellowship is available to study the mitotic functions of mammalian polo kinase Plk1 and its novel substrate, PBIP1. PBIP1 is a kinetochore protein, whose deregulation contributes to the promotion of various cancers in humans. Our results showed that PBIP1 is critical for the recruitment of Plk1 to the kinetochores and the spindle checkpoint signaling, and absence of PBIP1 function leads to chromosome segregation defect and aneuploidy. Analyses of the Plk1-PBIP1 interaction revealed that PBIP1 interacts with the polo-box domain of Plk1 in a manner that requires phosphorylation of PBIP1 on the T78 residue. Small phospho-T78 peptides, but not the corresponding non-phospho peptides, specifically interacted with Plk1, thus providing a promising lead for the isolation of anti-Plk1 therapeutic agents.

Projects include, but are not limited to, mechanisms of Plk1-PBIP1 interaction and Plk1-dependent PBIP1 degradation in late mitosis, characterization of novel PBIP1-interacting proteins, role of PBIP1 during tumorigenesis, and generation of PBIP1 knock-in and transgenic mice. A fellow with expertise in mouse experimental models will be preferred. For more information about our research, please visit http://home.ccr.cancer.gov/metabolism/kleeccr.htm. Please contact Dr. Kyung S. Lee (kyunglee@mail.nih.gov, 301-496-9635) for more information.

Candidates should have Ph.D. degree with background in cell biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, mouse genetics, or related fields. Salary starts at $44,300 for a fellow with no previous postdoctoral training.

To apply, click on the button below, or send your CV and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Kyung S. Lee, Senior Investigator
Center for Cancer Research
National Cancer Institute, NIH
9000 Rockville Pike
Building 37, Room 3118
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: (301) 496-9635
Fax: (301) 496-8419
E-mail: kyunglee@mail.nih.gov

This position is subject to a background investigation.


The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.

To apply:

The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients. Specifically, the Institute:

• Supports and coordinates research projects conducted by universities, hospitals, research foundations, and businesses throughout this country and abroad through research grants and cooperative agreements.
• Conducts research in its own laboratories and clinics.
• Supports education and training in fundamental sciences and clinical disciplines for participation in basic and clinical research programs and treatment programs relating to cancer through career awards, training grants, and fellowships.
• Supports research projects in cancer control.
• Supports a national network of cancer centers.
• Collaborates with voluntary organizations and other national and foreign institutions engaged in cancer research and training activities.
• Encourages and coordinates cancer research by industrial concerns where such concerns evidence a particular capability for programmatic research.
• Collects and disseminates information on cancer.
• Supports construction of laboratories, clinics, and related facilities necessary for cancer research through the award of construction grants.