Pedro Torres-Ayuso, PhD
Assistant Professor, Cancer and Cellular Biology
Research Program
Lab Overview
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are frequent and highly aggressive epithelial malignancies; for example, lung and head and neck SCC (LSCC and HNSCC, respectively) affect approximately one million people worldwide annually. Despite our increased understanding of the genetic and genomic characteristics of SCC, targeted therapies are not widely available for most patients with these tumor types primarily because the oncogenic drivers remain to be identified. Therefore, SCC patient survival remains poor.
The Torres-Ayuso lab works to identify new targets and mechanisms of therapy resistance in SCC; concretely, the lab is studying protein kinases that are dysregulated in LSCC and HNSCC. Our research goals are (1) to understand the mechanisms by which these protein kinases contribute to LSCC and HNSCC progression and (2) to validate these kinases as therapeutic targets using pre-clinical models of LSCC and HNSCC. To accomplish these goals, my lab will utilize a multidisciplinary approach involving functional genomics, chemical biology, proteomics, and molecular and cellular assays to identify and study novel cancer-associated kinases in SCC. With translational studies using pre-clinical models, including patient-derived xenografts, we will validate these kinases as therapeutic targets in LSCC and HNSCC. Our research will generate new information regarding novel approaches to treat SCCs. In collaboration with clinicians from the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Temple University Health System (Lung Center and the Head and Neck Institute), drug-development teams (Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research), and other basic scientists, we will achieve our long-term goal of translating our knowledge of tumor biology into next-generation precision medicine approaches for effective cancer treatments.
Research Interests
- Cancer cell signaling
- Precision medicine
- Kinases
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Squamous cell carcinomas
Educational Background
- PhD (Molecular Biology), Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Postdoc, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
- Postdoc, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
Memberships
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET)
- European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
Honors & Awards
National Institutes of Health Fellows Award for Research Excellence, 2020
- National Institutes of Health Mentor Award, 2019
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship, 2016
- AACR Scholar-in-Training Award, 2016
People
Selected Publications
Open Positions
About the Position
The Torres-Ayuso Laboratory at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Temple University) and Fox Chase Cancer Center is hiring a highly ambitious and self-motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Cell Signaling. The laboratory conducts basic and translational research to (1) identify new therapeutic targets, primarily protein kinases, and (2) overcome mechanisms of therapy resistance in lung and head and neck cancers. We utilize a multidisciplinary approach that expands from functional genomics and chemical biology to pre-clinical studies in patient-derived xenografts. The lab has active collaborations with other investigators from Temple University and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Additional details regarding the laboratory can be found at https://www.foxchase.org/pedro-torres-ayuso. The lab is seeking candidates with a recent doctoral degree or equivalent in cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a related area. Candidates close to obtaining their doctoral degree are also encouraged to apply. Practical experience with biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology techniques is essential. At least one peer-reviewed first-author publication is required. Experience using mouse models and willingness to do animal work is desired.
About the Training Environment
As one of the four original cancer centers to receive comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center has been at the forefront of cancer research for almost 90 years. We are home to excellent research facilities, top clinicians and scientists, and outstanding patient care. Our singular focus on cancer, which couples discovery science with state of the art clinical care and population health, remains the foundation of our work.
The scientist training programs at Fox Chase Cancer Center provide professional development opportunities in four core areas identified as crucial for successful careers in science, research, and health care including communication, leadership, teaching, and mentorship. Upon joining the program, graduate students and postdocs develop individual development plans to help guide their growth. Training throughout the year is supplemented with free professional development opportunities, including a robust ‘How To’ series, writing courses, networking, mentorship, and teaching opportunities, a trainee-led seminar series, a trainee-led annual Research Conference, and more. Postdocs at Fox Chase Cancer Center are supported by the Temple University Postdoc Association and the Office of Academic Affairs at Fox Chase, and are compensated with competitive pay and benefits.
In addition to the robust training program, scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine benefit from being part of the rich scientific and biotech environment in the Philadelphia region. Many of our former trainees are now employees (and contacts) at nearby institutions and companies, including The Wistar Institute, Merck, GSK, AACR, and numerous others.
Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
To Apply
To apply, please email a copy of your curriculum vitae, a cover letter briefly describing your past research experience and future career goals, and the names/phone numbers/emails of three people who can provide letters of reference to [email protected].
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