Postdoctoral Associate in Developmental; Epi-Genetics, Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology

Description

Area
:
Developmental (Epi-)Genetics, Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology

Duration
: 1 year in the first instance with funding secured for 3 yrs

Start Date
: as soon as possible

Salary
: $55,000 - 65,000 per year plus benefits

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of Developmental Genetics, Stem Cell Biology and Reproductive Biology
. The applicant will also be affiliated with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute at the University of Calgary.

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join a thriving team led by Prof. Myriam Hemberger and Prof. Wendy Dean. The successful candidate will investigate how uterine abnormalities contribute to placental defects and to fetal developmental outcome, an area of significant importance for maternal and fetal biomedicine. The project employs state-of-the-art organoid culture models, mouse models as well as a suite of chromatin-related (ChIP‑seq, ATAC‑seq, scRNA‑seq), molecular (CRISPR‑Cas9 etc), and histological technologies.

The successful candidate will have a recent PhD degree and have in-depth experience in developmental genetics, including the use of stem cell and/or organoid models. They will have a proven track record in research (i.e. publications) that highlights their hands‑on experience in stem cell / organoid biology including the applications of CRISPR technology and leading NGS sequencing technologies including their analysis.

The PIs are leading experts in the relevant areas of developmental biology, epigenetics, and stem cell biology, and provide a superb research and training environment for the postdoctoral scientist.

Please see:

The candidate will join an interactive research environment set within a recently refurbished open-plan laboratory space. State‑of‑the‑art computational, imaging and molecular biology facilities are available. The candidate will also benefit from a thriving research environment within the Cumming School of Medicine and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and engage with a broad range of investigators with expertise in stem cell and cancer epigenetics, bioengineering and regenerative medicine.

We seek a talented, highly motivated postdoc to work on a funded project, available immediately.

• Essential: PhD degree obtained within the last 3 years in developmental biology, stem cell biology, molecular biology or a related subject area
• Essential: Proven track record in academic research (≥2 published or accepted primary research papers)
• Essential: Proven expertise in handling and manipulating stem cells, iPSCs and/or organoid culture systems including the use of CRISPR technology
• Essential: Significant bioinformatic knowledge (coding in R is essential) for analysis of high‑throughput datasets
• Essential: Genuine interest in scientific research, high-level ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols and self-motivation to lead projects towards success
• Highly desirable: An excellent understanding of early mammalian development, and a solid background in mouse and human genetics
• Highly desirable: Expertise in (1) the performance and (2) the bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data, including the use of chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and in the generation of Next‑Generation sequencing libraries (ChIP‑seq, RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq etc)

• Lead research project in a self‑directed manner under close supervision by Dr. Myriam Hemberger and Dr. Wendy Dean
• Perform meaningful experiments and data analysis, and ability to interpret results in the context of literature knowledge
• Assemble data in high‑quality layout arrangements for publication purposes
• Write manuscript drafts and fellowship applications, as appropriate
• Learn and troubleshoot techniques or scientific contexts that the applicant is not familiar with
• Handle sophisticated pieces of equipment (qPCR cycles, confocal microscopes, sterilizers etc)
• Participate in lab meetings and departmental meetings with presentations and engagement
• Contribute to the…