Postdoctoral Associate in IBD genetics in C. elegans and organoids

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research center is looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Associate to work on a NIH-funded project aimed at understanding genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease through innovative techniques in C. elegans and organoid systems. This position offers a unique opportunity for collaborative research in a stimulating environment focused on scientific advancement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Professional development funding

Flexibility for career transition support

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field is required.
• Strong background in C. elegans genetics or related areas.
• Experience with molecular cloning and data analysis expected.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-throughput RNAi screens.
• Collaborate on human intestinal organoid studies.
• Conduct transcriptional profiling and pathway analyses.

Skills

C. elegans genetics

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Genetics, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

RNAi techniques

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Job Title:Postdoctoral Associate in IBD genetics in C. elegans and organoids

Job Number: 97863

Location: Houston,US

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team investigating the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a cutting-edge, NIH-funded project that combines high-throughput genetic screening in C. elegans with human intestinal organoid validation to understand how genetic risk factors contribute to IBD pathogenesis.

Research Project

The successful candidate will contribute to a comprehensive study titled “High-throughput functional analyses of the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.”

Key Responsibilities

Primary Research Activities:

• Design and execute high-throughput RNAi screens of IBD risk genes in C. elegans
• Perform phenotypic analyses including bacterial colonization assays, motility measurements, and barrier integrity assessments
• Generate and characterize CRISPR-edited C. elegans strains modeling human IBD risk alleles
• Collaborate on human intestinal organoid studies including genetic modifications and functional characterizations
• Conduct transcriptional profiling and pathway analyses to understand gene function

Technical Skills Development:

• Master advanced C. elegans genetics techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• Gain expertise in microbiome manipulation and high-throughput screening methods
• Learn human organoid culture, genetic modification, and functional assays
• Develop bioinformatics skills for analyzing genomic and transcriptomic datasets

Collaborative Opportunities:

• Work closely with human geneticists, gastroenterologists, and organoid biologists
• Participate in analyses of diverse population genetic data through IBDGC collaborations
• Contribute to translational studies bridging model organism findings to human disease

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Strong background in at least one of the following areas:
  • C. elegans genetics and molecular biology
  • Human cell culture and organoid systems
  • Microbiome research
  • Inflammatory disease mechanisms
• Experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, or RNAi techniques
• Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and statistical methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with C. elegans or other model organisms
• Background in gastrointestinal biology or inflammatory diseases
• Familiarity with high-throughput screening approaches
• Experience with organoid culture systems
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and programming (R, Python)
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications

What We Offer

Research Environment:

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities including:
  • Dedicated C. elegans microbiome laboratory
  • Human organoid core facilities
  • Advanced microscopy and flow cytometry
  • Single-cell genomics and bioinformatics cores
• Collaboration with leading experts in IBD genetics and model organism biology
• Integration with the international IBD genetics consortium (IBDGC)

Professional Development:

• Mentorship from experienced faculty across multiple disciplines
• Opportunities to present at national and international conferences
• Training in grant writing and career development
• Access to institutional professional development programs

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience (NIH postdoctoral fellowship guidelines)
• Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package
• Professional development funding for conferences and training
• Potential for fellowship applications and career transition support

Institution & Location

This position is located at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, within the Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research. Our research environment fosters collaboration between basic scientists and clinical investigators, providing unique opportunities for translational research. Houston offers a vibrant scientific community, diverse cultural opportunities, and a reasonable cost of living.

Application Instructions

Required Materials:

1. Cover Letter (2 pages maximum) describing:
   • Research interests and career goals
   • Relevant experience and technical skills
   • Why you are interested in this specific project
2. Curriculum Vitae including:
   • Complete publication list
   • Research experience and technical skills
   • Conference presentations and awards
3. Contact Information for three professional references

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit materials by August 1.

How to Apply:

Please submit all materials via email to: [Please click the Apply button for the link or email] with the subject line “Postdoc Application – IBD Genetics”

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: Rolling review, priority deadline July 1
• Start Date: ASAP, available immediately
• Position Duration: Initial 2-year appointment with possibility of extension

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new therapeutic targets for IBD while developing expertise in both model organism genetics and human disease modeling.

Application Deadline: 2025-08-01