Postdoc Transposons ResearchMolecular and Cell Biology

Postdoc Employee Transposons Research Molecular and Cell Biology

Posted 2 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.

Position title:

Postdoctoral Employee (003252).
Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $66,737 – $74,425.
Percent time: 100% FTE.
Anticipated start: Fall 2025 to Spring 2026.
Position duration: Two year with possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Open date:
October 4, 2025.
Next review date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
Final date: Monday, Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59pm. Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

The He lab is in the Molecular and Cell Biology department at UC‑Berkeley, which encompasses a breadth of disciplines spanning all levels of organization and diverse organisms. The breadth of training, combined with the unique location of Berkeley in the center of biomedical research, offers a nurturing environment for the next‑generation scientist to launch a successful career in biomedical research in academia and industry.

The Principal Investigator, Dr. Lin He, is a Mac Arthur Fellow, Searle Scholar, HHMI Faculty Scholar, and currently holds the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair Professorship at UC‑Berkeley, as well as a Chan‑Zuckerberg Initiative investigator. The developmental and physiological complexity of a given organism is not governed by the sheer number of protein‑coding genes. In mammals, the numerous functional non‑coding elements greatly expand gene regulatory modalities and diversify functional reservoirs.

Using human and mouse genetics, genomics, cellular and molecular biology approaches, the He lab has identified a variety of functional non‑coding elements, including transposons and non‑coding RNAs. Not only do non‑coding elements offer developmental and physiological functions, they also provide a unique angle to discover new cellular processes in development and disease. Combining sophisticated genome engineering and innovative live‑cell imaging, the lab pioneers in vivo studies to elucidate new cellular functions and molecular mechanisms in development and aging.

The lab’s discoveries have been published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell. Currently, there are postdoc openings in two projects. The first project focuses on "Transposons in mammalian preimplantation development," investigating how ~40% of the mammalian genome originates from transposons and how they contribute to gene regulation and new functions. The second project examines "Transposons in aging and disease," studying how transposon dysregulation contributes to conditions such as aging, cancer, and infection.

• Work with the PI to develop a project in one of the two research directions, comprehensively read literature, establish appropriate experimental systems, learn important technologies, and execute experiments to advance the project and perform data analyses.
• Meet with the PI weekly to discuss results and develop experimental plans.
• Mentor junior lab members on specific experimental techniques.
• Contribute to lab duties, which are evenly distributed among all lab members.

• Basic qualifications (required at time of application): PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in a PhD program.
• Additional qualifications (required at time of start): PhD (or equivalent) required by appointment start date; no more than three years of post‑degree research experience by the start date.
• Preferred qualifications: PhD in developmental biology, genetics, genomics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields. Prior research experience in mammalian development and disease is preferred.

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement – discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This may include publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices, and areas for future research. (Optional)
• 3–5 references (contact information only)

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05057

Help contact: sthsharpe

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Job location:

Berkeley, CA