David Long, Ph.D.

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and a member of the Hollings Cancer Center (HCC). I have a long-standing interest in nucleic acid biology, studying fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication, DNA damage signaling, genomic instability, and cancer predisposition throughout my career. In 2016, I received an R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA), which provides flexible support for all research projects related to the mission of NIGMS. Initially, we focused on elucidating the various roles that BRCA1 plays during repair of DNA inter-strand crosslinks. During these studies, we found evidence that BRCA1 was also controlling an assortment of chromatin and transcription regulators in extract. Encouraged by the mission of the R35 to pursue ambitious new research directions, we developed a cell-free system that supports highly regulated transcription of chromatinized plasmid substrates. These efforts have broadened the scope of our research program to include mechanisms of chromatin signaling, transcription regulation, and their interplay with the DNA damage response. In 2023, I was appointed the Assistant Director of Education and Training for HCC. In this role, I help to oversee, coordinate, and track oncology-focused education and training opportunities for high school, college, pre- and post-doctoral students, and early career faculty.

2025-Present: Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina 2023-Present: Co-Program Director of the Integrative Training in Oncogenic Signaling (ITOS) T32 program, Hollings Cancer Center 2023-Present: Assistant Director of Education and Training, Hollings Cancer Center 2023-Present: Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Endowed Chair, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 2020-2025: Associate Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina 2017-2024: Director of the Graduate Fellowship Program, Hollings Cancer Center 2016-2025: Director of Graduate Training, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina 2014-2020: Assistant Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina 2008-2014: Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School (Mentor: Johannes Walter, PhD) 2003-2008: Predoctoral Student, Duke University (Mentor: Kenneth Kreuzer, PhD) 2001-2003: Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of California, San Diego (Mentor: Donald Helinski, PhD)