Postdoctoral Associate | Cardiac Physiology and Functional Genomics

The Jackson Laboratory; Farmington (CT); On-site; USD 66,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hinson lab at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and UConn Health seeks an independent, PhD-level scientist to study inherited heart failure and muscle disorders using human iPSC-derived engineered heart tissues and mouse models. Projects include 3D EHT physiology, murine cardiac phenotyping, Perturb-seq-style genetic screening, and sarcomere assembly research.

The role involves collaboration with an international network, strong quantitative analysis, and a track record of

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in at least one: stem cell differentiation, cardiac or muscle physiology, mouse models of disease, genome editing (CRISPR), or single-cell genomics.
• Experience with advanced imaging, protein-protein interaction studies, or computational analysis of sequencing data is a plus.
• A record of scientific productivity, including publications, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Work on cardiac physiology in 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT) models using human iPSC-derived tissues.
• Characterize mouse models of heart failure in vivo including echocardiography and histology.
• Apply pooled, Perturb-seq-style approaches in the heart to define gene function and disease mechanisms at scale.
• Collaborate on sarcomere assembly research with international teams using stem cell biology, 3D microtissue assays and advanced imaging.

Skills

Stem cell differentiation

Cardiac physiology

Muscle physiology

Mouse models of disease

Genome editing (CRISPR)

Single-cell genomics

Imaging

Publications

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

CRISPR

Single-cell sequencing

Job description

The Hinson lab at The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and UConn Health is seeking an independent, highly motivated PhD-level scientist to join our group studying the mechanisms of inherited heart failure and other muscle disorders. We combine human pluripotent stem cell biology, tissue engineering, genome editing, and multi-omics assays to understand how genetic variants disrupt heart function, and to develop therapies that correct it.

Depending on the candidate’s interests and expertise, projects may include:

• Cardiac physiology in 3D engineered heart tissue (EHT) models.Use human iPSC-derived EHTs and microtissues to measure contractile force, kinetics, and calcium handling, with the goals of modeling disease and testing therapeutic strategies.
• Mouse models of heart failure.Characterize cardiac structure and function in vivo, including echocardiography and molecular and histological phenotyping, and use these models to validate mechanisms and therapies.
• Large-scale in vivo genetic perturbation.Apply pooled, Perturb-seq-style approaches in the heart to define gene function and disease mechanisms at scale, paired with single-cell and multi-omic readouts.
• Sarcomere assembly and function.Collaborate with an international network of scientists in pluripotent stem cell biology, 3D microtissue assays, super-resolution microscopy, and structural biology to define the mechanisms and rules of sarcomere assembly.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in at least one of: stem cell differentiation, cardiac or muscle physiology, mouse models of disease, genome editing (CRISPR), or single-cell genomics.
• Experience with advanced imaging, protein-protein interaction studies, or computational analysis of sequencing data is a plus.
• A record of scientific productivity, including publications, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

We are a diverse and inclusive research group, aspiring to produce top science and scientists through attentive and progressive mentoring and interdisciplinary teamwork.

JAX Salary

Year 0 - 1: $65,589

Year 1 - 2: $67,318

Year 2 - 3: $69,095

Year 3 - 4: $70,521

Year 4 - 5: $72,877

Year 5 - 6: $75,569

Based on years of experience as Postdoc

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.