Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Description:

Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to lead studies related to one or more of our exciting research areas in peri-implantation human development: 1) apicosome biology and 2) amniogenesis. To investigate these topics, we employ a variety of approaches including human embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid/organoid and animal models, single cell transcriptomics, spatial proteomics, genetics and high-resolution time-lapse imaging. All two projects are closely related and highly collaborative and have high translational relevance. We seek PhDs who are highly motivated, mature, and possess excellent interpersonal and writing skills. This position is funded by a new NIH R01 grant. The Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy is vibrant with young faculty and many students and postdocs, is newly renovated and has strong programs in place to support the transition from postdoc to faculty or other scientific careers.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in related biomedical science field. We also seek candidates from broad areas (e.g., biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, engineering) with new ideas and interests in stem cell and human developmental biology.

Primary Functions

  •   Independently design, execute, and analyze complex research procedures including embryoid/organoid culture, transcriptomics, proteomics, genetics and time-lapse imaging.

  •   Perform culturing of human embryonic stem cells and hESC-derived organoids, high-resolution time-lapse imaging, cloning, mouse work, transcriptomics and proteomics.

  •   Bring new molecular, cellular and embryological methods to the laboratory.

  •   Develop creative new methodologies for lab procedures, including new organoid culturing methods and new genetics, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

  •   Teach and guide technicians, rotating graduate students, undergraduate students and junior graduate students to perform various assays and help them efficiently organize and analyze their experiments.

  •   Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures.

  •   May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction/delegation/prioritizing.

  •   May help with general lab tasks (e.g., organization, ordering)

  •   Independently write first drafts of research proposals and first author manuscripts.

  •   Be an engaged lab member that works efficiently in a team setting and is willing to engage in lab and department outings.

  •   Present scientific findings at local, national and international meetings.

  •   Apply to competitive independent funding opportunities.

  •   Effectively communicate with other lab members through email and personal interactions.

  •   Edit other lab member’s grants and manuscripts.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

High motivation, team player attitude and skills, excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn variety of advanced methods.

Candidate must have strong motivation, team player attitude, and strong ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects. In addition, candidate must have previous laboratory experience including sound scientific practice in research, methodology development and accurate laboratory techniques, and the ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.  Applicants should have strong scientific communication skills and scientific integrity.

Preferred Schedule:

M-F

Position Requirements:

Minimum Required Education:               PhD

Minimum Required Experience:              Laboratory experience required

Preferred Education:                              Biology

Preferred Experience:                            Reproduction, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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