Postdoctoral Fellow in Single-Molecule Imaging

Michigan State University - Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholars (Research Associates) to study molecular mechanisms of class switch recombination in living B cells using advanced single-molecule imaging. The project builds on recent work published in Molecular Cell and funded by NIH for up to four years.

Ideal candidates have recently completed a PhD in biology or related field and are skilled in cell culture, imaging, and

Qualifications

• PhD completed in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Experience in cell culture, DNA damage repair, RNA biology, and advanced imaging is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and to learn new single-molecule techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform live-cell, single-molecule imaging in B lymphocytes.
• Investigate transcription of switch regions triggering double-strand breaks.
• Collaborate with NIH-funded team and contribute to high-impact publications.

Skills

Cell culture

DNA damage repair

RNA biology

Advanced microscopy

Genome editing

Computational data analysis

Single-molecule approaches

Education

PhD in Biology/Biochemistry/Biophysics or related field

Job description

Dr. Jens Schmidt’s lab at Michigan State University is looking to hire Postdoctoral Scholars (Research Associates) to study the molecular mechanisms underlying class switch recombination using advanced single-molecule imaging techniques in living B Cells, building on our work recently published in Molecular Cell (PMID: 42335900).

Working on this project represent a unique opportunity to learn and apply novel imaging tools to study lymphocyte biology. The project will combine single-molecule imaging of protein and RNA molecules in real time to define how the transcription of specialized switch regions triggers the formation of double strand breaks which results in a large intra-chromosomal deletion to switch the sub-type of antibody produced by B cells. The positions are supported by a new NIH grant, which will provide funding for up to 4 years, based on performance.

What we offer

We have a strong track record of mentoring postdoctoral fellows in the lab, who have successfully competed for fellowships including the K99/R00 award, published impactful first author papers, and have transitioned into independent faculty positions at research intensive universities in the United States. Our lab in the Institute of Quantitative Health Science and Engineering at Michigan State University offers a highly supportive research environment as well as state of the art lab space, equipment, and facilities.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have recently completed their PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or a related field and should be highly motivated to independently execute their research project. Experience in cell culture, DNA damage repair, RNA biology, advanced microscopy methods, genome editing, computational data analysis, and single-molecule approaches would be very beneficial but are not required.