Postdoctoral Research Associate - Heinzen Lab

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in North Carolina seeks postdoctoral fellows to study genetic epilepsies. The position involves developing neuronal models and conducting research using advanced technologies like CRISPR and electrophysiology. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in biological sciences and have strong communication skills. The role is ideal for those eager to drive independent research careers in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline such as neuroscience or molecular biology.
• Publication record demonstrating research productivity.
• Research experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell models preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on genetic epilepsies using cutting-edge technologies.
• Develop induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal models.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary environment.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organization

Writing skills

Data analysis skills

Collaborative team science

Education

Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline

Job description

Position Summary

The Heinzen laboratory in the Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, in collaboration with the Eshelman Institute for Innovation, in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is looking to immediately fill multiple postdoctoral fellowship positions to study molecular mechanisms across multiple types of genetic epilepsies to identify convergent disease mechanisms and drug targets. The successful candidates will be part of a highly interdisciplinary environment to develop induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived neuronal models of genetic epilepsies and apply cutting‑edge technologies including electrophysiology, single‑cell RNAseq, chromatin conformation capture technique, optogenetics, genetic encoded biosensors of neurotransmission, and live cell imaging, to study cellular and molecular signatures associated with genetic epilepsies. Well‑defined cellular and molecular signatures will be fed into the drug discovery pipeline and/or subjected to CRISPR‑screens to identify druggable genetic modifiers as part of the Drug Discovery Initiative led by the Eshelman Institute of Innovation. The ultimate goal is for postdoctoral fellows to develop specialized skill sets to drive independent research programs that can launch independent research careers.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

The position requires a Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline (e.g., neuroscience, molecular biology, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular genetics), and a publication record demonstrating research productivity. Excellent communication, organization, writing, data analysis skills, and willingness to be part of collaborative team science skills are also essential.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Excellent communication, organization, writing, and willingness to be part of collaborative team science skills are also essential.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The projects will involve a significant amount of laboratory bench work. Research experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell models preferred but not required.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

None specified.

Special Instructions

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity, employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.