Summary

The lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our interdisciplinary research team investigating the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a cutting-edge, NIH-funded project that combines high-throughput genetic screening in C. elegans with human intestinal organoid validation to understand how genetic risk factors contribute to IBD pathogenesis. The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to a comprehensive study titled “High-throughput functional analyses of the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.”

Job Duties

• Primary Research Activities:
  • Designs and executes high-throughput RNAi screens of IBD risk genes in C. elegans.
  • Performs phenotypic analyses that includes bacterial colonization assays, motility measurements, and barrier integrity assessments.
  • Generates and characterizes CRISPR-edited C. elegans strains modeling human IBD risk alleles.
  • Collaborates on human intestinal organoid studies that includes genetic modifications and functional characterizations.
  • Conducts transcriptional profiling and pathway analyses to understand gene function.
• Technical Skills Development:
  • Masters advanced C. elegans genetics techniques that includes CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
  • Gains expertise in microbiome manipulation and high-throughput screening methods.
  • Learns human organoid culture, genetic modification, and functional assays.
  • Develops bioinformatics skills for analyzing genomic and transcriptomic datasets.
• Collaborative Opportunities:
  • Works closely with human geneticists, gastroenterologists, and organoid biologists.
  • Participates in analyses of diverse population genetic data through IBDGC collaborations.
  • Contributes to translational studies bridging model organism findings to human disease.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Strong background in at least one of the following areas:
  • C. elegans genetics and molecular biology
  • Human cell culture and organoid systems
  • Microbiome research
  • Inflammatory disease mechanisms
• Experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, or RNAi techniques.
• Previous experience with C. elegans or other model organisms.
• Background in gastrointestinal biology or inflammatory diseases.
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening approaches.
• Experience with organoid culture systems.
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and statistical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and programming (R, Python).
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.