Job Description
A fully funded Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the Gonatopoulos-Pournatzis lab within the RNA Biology Laboratory at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Frederick, MD. Our research focuses on characterizing regulatory networks that control alternative splicing and on the systematic interrogation of transcript isoforms with critical roles in normal physiology and cancer biology. We address these questions by developing and applying cutting edge CRISPR-based functional genomics screening tools in combination with computational, molecular biology and biochemical approaches as well as generation of animal models. Some of the questions we are currently addressing include:
- To map the regulatory networks that control alternative splicing programs linked to cancer.
- To uncover the full repertoire of human exons that affect cell fitness and proliferation.
- To develop a single-cell screening platform for combinatorial genetic perturbations and gene segment deletions to identify exons and 3´ UTRs that underlie cell fate decisions.
For more information visit our lab’s webpage.
Recent related publications:
- Application of CHyMErA Cas9-Cas12a combinatorial genome-editing platform for genetic interaction mapping and gene fragment deletion screening. Nature Protocols, 2021
- Genetic interaction mapping and exon-resolution functional genomics with a hybrid Cas9-Cas12a platform. Nature Biotechnology, 2020
- Autism-Misregulated eIF4G Microexons Control Synaptic Translation and Higher Order Cognitive Functions. Molecular Cell, 2020
- Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 Interrogation of Splicing Networks Reveals a Mechanism for Recognition of Autism-Misregulated Neuronal Microexons. Molecular Cell, 2018
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
Qualifications: Applicants should hold a PhD or MD/PhD degree(s) and the ideal candidate should have expertise in molecular and/or computational biology and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
About the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside. Read more about CCR, the benefits of working at CCR and hear from our staff on their CCR experiences.
Frederick
Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland but retains a “small town” feel, surrounded by mountain views with a vibrant Main Street community. The city offers outstanding schools, a balanced and thriving economy and a highly educated workforce.
We offer a dynamic multi-disciplinary team within the RNA Biology department of NCI/NIH, providing a stimulating and collaborative scientific environment. Our lab possesses state-of-the-art equipment including Illumina and Nanopore sequencers, Chromium single-cell device, TapeStation, Incucycte live cell imaging etc. We also have access to core facilities of the Center for Cancer Research (CCR/NCI) including high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, protein purification and animal handling. Furthermore, the office of intramural training and education (OITE) offers a variety of training and welfare programs specifically for NIH Postdoctoral Fellows. Our group strives to create and maintain a welcoming and equitable environment. We welcome all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age and disability. We offer fully funded long-term positions with competitive salaries and benefits covering health insurance premiums. The NCI Frederick campus is within driving distance to Washington DC, Baltimore and Bethesda providing numerous opportunities for dual careers.