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A fully supported postdoc position is immediately available in the lab of Dr. Wenbo Li (and throughout the next 12 months) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA. This position will focus on the biochemistry and functions of enhancer RNAs in mammalian gene regulation and diseases.
Research Summary: Our lab studies RNA-mediated gene regulation and 3D chromatin organization. As a member of the NIH 4D nucleome (4DN) program (https://commonfund.nih.gov/4dnucleome), we aim to decipher the functions of noncoding DNA and RNA elements in the human genome in gene transcriptional control, with a goal to improve human disease intervention. We utilize biochemical methods and omics approaches (e.g., ChIP-seq, MINT-Seq, PRO-seq, Hi-C, CLIP-seq etc.), as well as (epi)genome editing tools and screening (CRISPR/Cas9/dCas9/Cas13). Candidates are encouraged to read the publications of Dr. Li’s lab (Nature, 2013; Nature Review Genetics, 2016; Nature Communications, 2019; RNA Biology, 2020). Some recent papers (Oh et al., 2021, Nature; Xiong et al., 2021, Cell Research; Lee et al., Mol Cell, 2021; Wang et al., BioRxiv, 2021). A complete list of Dr. Li’s publication can be found in PubMed:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Jip8J4DFUsQe/bibliography/public/; or Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=cBKgsuAAAAAJ
About the current position: We are looking for motivated postdocs with an enthusiasm to uncover fundamental biology mechanisms of gene transcriptional control, particularly the roles of RNAs on chromatin. An important direction is that how RNAs contribute to chromatin condensates and impact gene transcription or other nuclear activities. Excellent communication skills and a solid knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, gene transcriptional regulation and epigenetics are required, preferably in one of the areas of noncoding RNAs, epigenetics or cancer biology.
Our lab provides ample opportunities for collaboration within the Texas Medical Center, the largest Medical Center in the world. As a member of the NIH 4D nucleome (4DN) program, postdocs in our lab have opportunities to attend 4DN consortium group meetings, will be exposed to world frontiers of 3D genome research. These opportunities will be highly beneficial for the candidates’ research career. Competitive salary and benefits will be provided. In terms of location, Houston is a rapidly growing city with a vibrant culture.
About you: The candidates are expected to be: 1) highly motivated; 2) have a recent PhD, or MD/PhD degree, with first-author publications; 3) have extensive experiences in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or cell biology; experience in epigenomics assays such as ChIP-seq or Hi-C is a plus but not required.
To apply: Contact Dr. Li at Wenbo.li@uth.tmc.edu, with an email title of “Postdoc your name_degree granting institution and year”. For example: “Postdoc Jason Smith_UTexas_2021”. Please be prepared to provide: 1) your detailed cv, 2) a brief description of your short term and long-term goals, scientific background and interests (in 2 pages); and 3) the contact information for two to three referees who can provide a recommendation letter. You are welcome to inquire via email if you have questions.
