Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Noncoding RNA Research

A postdoctoral fellow position is currently open in Dr. Rui Zhou’s laboratory in the Departments of Medicine, Biological Chemistry and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Center for RNA Biology, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The Zhou laboratory is employing a combination of biochemical, genetic, genomic and functional genomic approaches to study the molecular mechanism governing the biogenesis of regulatory non-coding RNAs, and to elucidate their function in innate immunity, neuro-development, metabolism and tumor formation.

We have identified and characterized key regulators of RNA interference and antiviral defense (Zhou et al, Molecular Cell, 2008; Sabin, Zhou et al, Cell, 2009; Czech & Zhou et al, Molecular Cell, 2009; Ni, Zhou & Czech et al, Nature Methods, 2011; Xiong et al, PNAS, 2013; Lim et al, RNA Biology, 2014; Xiong et al, PLoS Genetics, 2015; Molleston et al, Genes & Development, 2016). In addition, we have established microRNA-34 as a crucial modulator of innate immunity and steroid hormone signaling (Xiong et al, PLoS Pathogens, 2016). Furthermore, we have identified a group of circular RNAs that impact innate immunity and neuro-development (Liu et al, PLoS Genetics, in revision; Xiong et al, PLoS Genetics, in revision). Moreover, in collaboration with the Perera lab, we are studying the function of circular RNAs in medulloblastoma (Pokhrel et al, Neuro-Oncology, in revision). Lastly, we are investigating the function and regulation of circular RNAs in lipid metabolism and antiviral immunity (Liu et al, in preparation; Liang et al, in preparation). Ongoing work focuses on elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism using both animal models (Drosophila and mice) and cultured (Drosophila and mammalian) cells. We seek a postdoctoral fellow to drive these exciting projects forward.

Required skills: The preferred candidate should have a strong background in the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology, and Drosophila genetics, and should be highly motivated, and superb at both bench work and critical thinking.

This position is expected to start immediately, and will be based at the Center for RNA Biology, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, which is known for its pleasant weather, low cost of living, and beautiful beaches. Salary and fringe benefits will be compliant with guidelines established by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The Zhou Lab is located in the newly completed 225,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Research & Education Building. We enjoy interactions with a vibrant and collegial group of Departmental colleagues working on RNA Biology, gene regulation, vascular biology, immunology, oncology and metabolism. Interested candidates please send CV and relevant publications to Dr. Rui Zhou: rzhou13@jhmi.edu.