Visiting Postdoc Scientist

Job Description

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is seeking a Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology within the Department of Medicine. This one-year research opportunity offers the chance to contribute to innovative clinical research focused on pancreaticobiliary diseases, pancreatic cancer biomarkers, advanced endoscopy, and gastrointestinal oncology outcomes.

The Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist will collaborate with physician-scientists on multiple clinical research initiatives investigating the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, proteins, and advanced endoscopic technologies in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.

Key Responsibilities

• Support clinical research studies focused on pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Collect, organize, and analyze clinical and research data.
• Perform statistical analyses and interpret research findings.
• Conduct analyses using large gastrointestinal cancer databases to evaluate patient outcomes.
• Contribute to research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of advanced interventional procedures, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), ERCP, and third-space endoscopy.
• Participate in manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publications.
• Prepare abstracts and presentations for national scientific meetings.
• Attend weekly research meetings and monthly Interventional GI faculty conferences.
• Participate in research discussions, journal clubs, and grand rounds as appropriate.
• Present a clinical gastroenterology topic at the conclusion of the appointment.

Research Focus Areas

The Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist will contribute to research projects that include:

• Pancreatic cancer biomarker research evaluating portal vein blood circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and protein biomarkers to improve diagnosis and prognosis in patients with newly identified pancreatic masses.
• Evaluation of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for characterization of pancreatic lesions and precursor cystic lesions, with the goal of improving early detection of pancreatic cancer.
• Large-scale gastrointestinal cancer database research assessing clinical outcomes.
• Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of advanced interventional endoscopic procedures, including EUS, ERCP, and third-space endoscopy.

Program Timeline

Week 1

• Orientation

Month 1

• Research planning and project discussions

Months 2-3

• Establish research project and study objectives

Months 3-5

• Data collection and analysis

Months 5-12

• Manuscript preparation, presentation development, and publication activities

Mentorship & Professional Development

The Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist will receive structured mentorship throughout the appointment, including:

• Program orientation and goal setting
• Bi-monthly progress meetings with faculty mentors
• Weekly research meetings
• Monthly Interventional GI faculty conferences
• Opportunities to participate in journal clubs and grand rounds
• Guidance on scientific writing, data analysis, and academic presentations

Expected Outcomes

By the completion of the program, the Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist is expected to:

• Contribute to multiple active clinical research projects.
• Complete data collection and analysis for assigned studies.
• Prepare abstracts for presentation at national scientific meetings.
• Author or co-author at least one manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
• Develop expertise in pancreaticobiliary clinical research and advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Appointment Details

• Position: Visiting Postdoctoral Scientist
• Department: Gastroenterology & Hepatology - Pancreaticobiliary Research
• Location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Appointment Length: August 2026 - August 2027 (12 months)
• Time Commitment: Minimum of 80% dedicated to research activities
• Systems Access: Granted as required to support approved research activities.