Careers

A Guide to Setting Up and Managing a Lab at a Research Intensive Institution

Up to two full-time postdoctoral fellowship positions are available (open until filled) at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, to investigate gene regulatory circuitries underlying adaptive immunity. Talented and motivated candidates with a track record of success in gene regulation and immunology will be considered. Experience with basic molecular biological methods and cell culture is required. Experience with mouse models and bioinformatic analysis is ideal. Candidates must have PhD or equivalent training. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as in a collaborative setting. Starting salaries will be based on the NIH postdoc scale. Send cover letter, current CV and contact information for three potential references to Dr. Dean Tantin, dean.tantin@path.utah.edu. Be sure to include “PD position 1” in the subject line.

The Tantin laboratory is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. All qualified individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Dean Tantin, PhD
Professor of Pathology
Division of Microbiology&Immunology
University of Utah School of Medicine
Huntsman Cancer Institute
2000 Circle of Hope, Research South 3707
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5550
Email dean.tantin@path.utah.edu

medicine.utah.edu/pathology/research/labs/dean-tantin/
 

Postdoctoral position available to study the distribution and utilization of iron cofactors within mammalian cells and tissues. Iron is an essential nutrient for every cell in the human body, yet it can also be a potent cellular toxin. Iron is essential because enzymes that require iron co-factors (namely, heme, iron-sulfur clusters, mononuclear and diiron centers) are involved in virtually every major metabolic process in the cell. Iron deficiency continues to be the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, especially among children and women of childbearing age, where it causes anemia and impairs neurological development and function. Although the pathogenesis of anemia in iron deficiency is well understood, other manifestations of iron deficiency are not understood at the cellular or metabolic level. Iron overload is a feature of an increasing number of human diseases, including genetic disorders such as hereditary hemochromatosis, thalassemias, and Friedreich ataxia, as well as chronic inflammatory diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis C. Hundreds of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese proteins are expressed in human cells, yet little is known about the mechanisms by which these metalloproteins acquire their native metal ligands and avoid mis-metallation. We have made significant advances in understanding the delivery of iron to iron-dependent enzymes in the cytosol.

We identified Poly rC-Binding Protein 1 (PCBP1) as an iron-binding protein that delivers iron to ferritin in human cells (Shi, et al. 2008, Science 320, 1207-10). This was the first description of a cytosolic iron chaperone – a protein that specifically binds iron ions and delivers them to target proteins through direct protein-protein interactions.  PCBP1 and its human paralogs are multifunctional adaptor proteins that also bind single-stranded DNA and RNA in a sequence-specific manner to regulate the fate of the nucleic acid. PCBP2, a human paralog of PCBP1, is independently required for the delivery of iron to ferritin. PCBP1 and PCBP2 deliver iron to additional families of target enzymes: the prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) that regulate the degradation of hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). Projects currently underway explore the roles of PCBPs in erythroid cell development, duodenal iron absorption, macrophage iron recycling, and the intersection of iron ion chaperones with the Fe-S cluster machinery. Mouse models of PCBP1 and PCBP2 deficiency have been developed and are revealing new functions of these proteins in maintaining iron homeostasis in mammals.

We use the tools of cell biology, genetics and biochemistry to address questions about how cells and animals use iron. The postdoctoral position is fully funded, available immediately, and open to any motivated Ph.D./M.D. with less than five years of postdoctoral experience. NIH is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact:
Caroline C. Philpott, M. D.
Chief, Genetics and Metabolism Section
Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH                      Web: http://irp.nih.gov/pi/caroline-philpott
Bldg 10, Rm 9B-16                                                       Phone: 301-435-4018   
10 Center Drive                                                             Fax: 301-402-0491
Bethesda, MD 20892-1800                                       Email: carolinep@mail.nih.gov
 

A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Stephanie Halene’s laboratory at Yale University School of Medicine, to study cancer mutations and aberrations in splicing and RNA modifications in MDS and Leukemia. The Halene Lab is also studying the effect of COVID 19 on hematologic malignancies. Located in the Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Halene laboratory studies RNA splicing, RNA modifications, and genomics in hematopoietic stem cell biology and in MDS and Leukemia.

We use state of the art tools and techniques, including RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (eCLIP), single cell sequencing, m6A CLIP,  Riboseq, RNAseq, targeted exome seq, as well as biochemistry and functional genomics in cell lines, primary mouse models, and primary patient samples and state of the art bioinformatic analyses. In collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Richard Flavell we have developed a unique, highly efficient xenotransplantation model for the study of human hematopoiesis, MDS, and leukemia, presenting a powerful tool to study mechanism and therapeutic approaches in vivo.

Candidates with strong background in RNA biology, hematopoiesis/leukemia, genomics, mouse models, and/or molecular biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Strong bioinformatic skills are a plus. Applicants with a Ph.D. should submit curriculum vitae and names of three references to Dr. Stephanie Halene (stephanie.halene@yale.edu).  Please enter “Postdoc Position” in subject line of e-mail.

Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and members of minority groups.
 

Postdoctoral positions in the Enns/Zhang Labs in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR USA.

Our labs focus on identifying the molecular mechanisms by which the body senses iron and the pathways involved in maintaining iron homeostasis. Diseases that disrupt these homeostatic mechanisms include, but are not limited to hereditary hemochromatosis, infectious diseases, heart failure, cancer and hematopoietic disorders. We combine state-of-the-art approaches involving mouse models, gene therapy, mass spectrometry, advanced light microscopy and bioinformatics in a collaborative environment.

Successful candidates must have a PhD and/or MD and a published record of accomplishment. Expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and/or protein chemistry are preferred. OHSU offers a variety of grant writing and career mentoring programs for postdoctoral fellows. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Caroline Enns (ennsca@ohsu.edu)

Salary and benefits: The salary is set according to NIH guidelines. Benefits include health and dental insurance.
 

The Moffitt and Cantor Laboratories at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School (HMS) are currently accepting applications for an entry-level joint post-doctoral training position. The Moffitt lab focuses on development and utilization of in situ single-molecule imaging methods to further understand tissue architecture, developmental signaling, and novel cell type identification. The Cantor lab specializes in hematopoiesis and platelet production. This joint project will develop and apply Multiplexed Error-robust Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (MERFISH) to the mouse and human bone marrow to further understand how megakaryocytes generate platelets in the context of their native microenvironment. This knowledge will then be applied to enhance in vitro platelet production from induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) for transfusion purposes. The candidate will also interact with the Allon Klein’s laboratory at HMS to develop and correlate scRNA-seq and in situ transcriptomic datasets. The candidate will be jointly advised by Dr. Moffitt and Dr. Cantor and will have the opportunity to learn and develop a cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics tool while substantially advancing our understanding of bone micro-environment and its critical role in the important process of platelet production and stem cell biology.

Candidates should have recently (within ~1 year) obtained a PhD or an MD/PhD degree in the fields of Computational Biology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Development, or Genetics. The candidate should have evidence of prior productive scientific work in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Prior experience in computational biology, scRNAseq, and/or other “-omics” type approaches is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status (i.e., “Green Card” holders) is
not necessary, but is favored.

Interested candidates should send their Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter describing their background and research interests to jeffrey.moffitt@childrens.harvard.edu and alan.cantor@childrens.harvard.edu. Candidates should also arrange for two letters of recommendation, which may be requested.

Jeffrey Moffitt, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Office: 617-713-8902

Alan Cantor, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Office: 617-919-2026

Boston Children’s Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Women and members of under-represented
minorities are encouraged to apply

The Bauer laboratory seeks highly motivated post-doctoral research fellows and staff scientists to investigate therapeutic gene editing to address human diseases with unmet clinical needs and to explore the functional genomics of human hematopoiesis. We conduct studies ranging from technology development, target discovery, preclinical validation and first-in-human clinical application.

We have identified regulatory elements that are subject to naturally occurring disease associated genetic variation and are critical determinants of fetal hemoglobin level and hemoglobin disorder clinical severity. We have developed methodologies for high-throughput and high-resolution functional evaluation of coding and noncoding genetic elements. We have demonstrated highly efficient and specific methods for nuclease and base editing of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We use molecular genetic, biochemical, and genome editing methodologies to perturb and observe blood cells. Our studies are meant to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of gene regulatory elements in their endogenous chromosomal environment, to explore determinants of blood cell
development, homeostasis, and disease, and to define structure-function relationships of disease relevant protein complexes. A major motivation of our work is to translate findings into novel therapies for patients with blood disorders. We are advancing therapeutic gene editing from preclinical studies to first-in-human trials. Prior experience in gene editing/gene therapy, protein engineering, hematopoiesis, molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, systems biology, structural/chemical biology, and/or bioinformatics/computational biology is highly desirable. The candidate must be independent in scientific research and writing, self-motivated, ethical, team spirited, and must have exceptional laboratory, communication, organizational, and writing skills.

Interested applicants should send a CV, cover letter, statement of research interest and contact information for three references via email to Daniel Bauer, MD PhD (daniel.bauer@childrens.harvard.edu), Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Boston Children’s Hospital is one of the top pediatric research centers in the world, and a major research and teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. The Bauer Laboratory is also affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT.
 

An NIH-funded postdoctoral fellow position is available immediately in the Babitt laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School to elucidate novel molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in iron homeostasis. A particular focus of the laboratory is to identify the molecular basis by which bone morphogenetic proteins regulate iron metabolism and the links between these pathways and the crippling complications of iron disorders and chronic kidney disease. We employ state-of-the-art multidisciplinary experimental approaches, including novel mouse genetic models, primary cell isolation and culture, signal transduction assays, advanced microscopy techniques, flow cytometry, and multiomic approaches, among others. Postdoctoral fellows will benefit from a highly collaborative environment and connections to premier biomedical institutions in the greater Boston area.

Candidates for this position must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in the biomedical sciences. Ideal applicants will have an experimental background in molecular/cellular biology and mouse models of disease, a strong publication record, and excellent communication/interpersonal skills. 

If interested, please email a cover letter, CV, and the contact information for three references to: 

Jodie L. Babitt, M.D.
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director of Translational Nephrology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
babitt.jodie@mgh.harvard.edu
 

A post-doctoral position is immediately available in the laboratories of Drs. John J. Lemasters and Anna-Liisa Nieminen in the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a joint NIH-funded research project to examine the molecular pathways of mitochondrial iron uptake and release in hepatocytes and ultimately in the liver. To address the questions posed, we will utilize a variety of hepatocyte-specific transgenic mouse strains, affinity enrichment-mass spectrometry, confocal/super-resolution/intravital multiphoton microscopy, and a newly developed mitochondrial iron sensor. Collectively, information gained from this project will impact several different pathologies where mitochondrial iron uptake plays a pathogenic role.

We are seeking a motivated and energetic scientist who can work independently, and who will be mentored in a collaborative and productive research environment addressing mitochondrial biology and cell injury. Extensive training in confocal/super-resolution/intravital imaging will be provided.

The successful candidate should have a recent PhD, MD, or equivalent. Priority will be given to qualified candidates with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology. Experience with rodent models is also preferred, but not required. Salary will follow NIH guidelines commensurate with training and experience.

If interested, please send a letter describing your research experience/interests/future career goals, CV, and contact information for three references electronically to:

John J. Lemasters, MD, PhD
jjlemasters@musc.edu

Anna-Liisa Nieminen, PhD
nieminen@musc.edu
 

Up to 3 years of funding of your salary at NIH postdoctoral rates in a highly collegial community of scientists focused on the molecular, genetic, biochemical and clinical and population-based aspects of nutrition-related biomedical research.

Mock-review of your F32 or similar postdoctoral fellowship proposal in study section composed of other trainees and faculty trainers.

Gain experience at grant reviewing via participation as a reviewer in MANTP mock study section.

Funds (up to $2500) to pay help pay for unique professional development opportunities such as a class at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.

Trainee-specific meetings (2-4 / semester) with outside speakers from academia, industry and other venues to discuss career trajectories and opportunities.

Annual meetings to discuss the research progress of all trainees including opportunities to deliver a “chalk-talk” that addresses the broad relevance of your work and its applicability to the NIH mission.

Integrative annual retreat with U Chicago T32 on “Digestive Diseases and Nutrition” where the focus is on increased exposure to cutting edge translational research, improving research presentations at national meetings, professional development activities and networking.

Opportunities to mentor young investigators.

Guidance from the MANTP Executive Committee in planning your career trajectory – both short- and long-term.

Input regarding application letters, CVs, research presentation and what to expect in interviews.

Applicants should send a cover letter describing research background and career goals, curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to:

Rick Eisenstein Ph.D.
Dept. of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin
1415 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706
Email contact: eisenstein@nutrisci.wisc.edu

UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Positions are open only to U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals per NIH policy.
 

A Postdoctoral position is currently available within the lab of Dr. Yelena Ginzburg at the Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai. The lab focuses on iron metabolism and erythropoiesis in health and disease, using mouse models and human samples ex vivo to ask questions about basic biology, physiology, and pathophysiology.

The candidate PhD or MD/PhD in biochemistry, physiology, or molecular biology will have an opportunity to contribute to and shape several ongoing projects within the lab.

For more information about this position and instructions on how to apply, please click here.