Postdoc in Genetics of Host-Microbiome Interactions

The lab is seeking a 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 selected candidate will also have opportunities to contribute to collaborative projects funded by NASA exploring impact of microbiome on host physiology during spaceflight (recent mission to ISS). Position available ASAP.

• Primary Research
  
  Activities:
  • Designs and executes candidate RNAi screens of IBD risk genes in
    
    C. elegans.
  • Performs phenotypic analyses that includes bacterial colonization assays, motility measurements, and barrier integrity assessments.
  • Develops 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:
  • 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.

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

• PhD in Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, or RNAi techniques.
• Previous experience with
  
  C. elegans or other model organisms.
• 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.