Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

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.

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.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.