Postdoctoral Fellow​/Senior Scientist – Genomic Engineering Core Facility

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow / Senior Scientist – Genomic Engineering Core Facility

Job Number: 126328

Location: Baltimore,US

A Postdoctoral Fellow or Senior Scientist position is available at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and the University of Maryland – Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND) to support the MIND X-CHANGE Genomic Engineering Infrastructure. This position is embedded within a campus-wide core facility that provides cutting‑edge functional genomics capabilities, including CRISPR‑based screening and advanced genome engineering (knock‑in/knockout). The successful candidate will play a central role in enabling high‑impact research across neuroscience, cancer, and rare diseases, with a particular emphasis on collaborative, service‑oriented science.

The selected candidate will work in a highly collaborative core facility environment, partnering with investigators across UMSOM, UM-MIND, and the broader research community. This role emphasizes technology development, user support, experimental execution, and grant collaboration, rather than an independent research program.

• Develop and maintain core technologies:
  • Establish and optimize pipelines for CRISPR-based genome editing, including pooled CRISPR screens (bulk and single‑cell) and knock‑in/knockout strategies
  • Implement robust workflows for single‑cell genomics assays (e.g., Perturb‑seq)
• Provide consultation and project design support:
  • Advise investigators on experimental design, library selection, controls, and statistical considerations
  • Guide users on feasibility, timelines, and best practices for functional genomics studies
• Support grant writing and proposal development:
  • Contribute to Methods and Approach sections for grant applications (e.g., NIH R01/U‑series, multi‑PI proposals)
  • Assist in experimental design, feasibility assessment, and power estimation
  • Generate preliminary data to strengthen proposals
  • Collaborate on center‑level and programmatic grants leveraging core capabilities
• Execute and support collaborative projects:
  • Perform or co‑develop experiments with users across diverse biological systems (primary cells, iPSCs, cell lines)
  • Ensure high‑quality, reproducible data generation across multiple concurrent projects
• Develop and optimize protocols:
  • Improve efficiency and scalability of genome editing and screening workflows
  • Evaluate and implement emerging technologies in CRISPR and single‑cell genomics
• Oversee core operations and quality control:
  • Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality control benchmarks
  • Maintain instrumentation and coordinate with vendors/service contracts
• Train and mentor users:
  • Provide hands‑on training in CRISPR and single‑cell technologies
  • Organize workshops and tutorials for the research community
• Collaborate on data analysis and dissemination:
  • Work with computational teams on CRISPR screen and single‑cell data analysis
  • Contribute to publications, reports, and collaborative projects
• Contribute to strategic growth of the core:
  • Expand service offerings (e.g., spatial omics, multi‑omics integration)
  • Engage in outreach to increase adoption and impact of the facility

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in molecular biology, genomics, bioengineering, or a related field
• Expertise in CRISPR-based genome editing, including:
  • CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and/or knock‑in systems
  • Experience with pooled CRISPR screens and/or single‑cell CRISPR technologies (preferred)
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as:
  • Mammalian cell culture (primary cells or stem cells preferred)
  • Cloning, PCR, sequencing, flow cytometry, and related assays
• Experience in grant writing and proposal development:
  • Ability to contribute to Methods/Approach sections
  • Familiarity with NIH grant structure and expectations
  • Experience generating preliminary data for proposals (preferred)
• Experience in collaborative or service‑oriented environments:
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Strong organizational and project…