Post Doctoral Associate

Postdoc position on RNA biology and RNA-based precision medicine

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or related fields. Desired previous experience includes RNA studies, mouse models, mammalian cell culture, stem cells (ESC/iPSC) and neural differentiation, and high-throughput sequencing-related techniques.

The laboratory of Dr. Hun-Way Hwang in the Department of Pathology is seeking a postdoc to study the diversity of mRNA expression in different cell types to develop RNA-based precision medicine.

1) The candidate will lead exciting projects that aim to understand fundamental mechanisms of mRNA processing in normal and disease contexts. The candidates will perform mammalian cell culture and molecular biology experiments, which include but are not limited to cell passage and maintenance, cell transfection, nucleic acid extraction, conventional and real-time PCR, bacterial transformation and molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblot. The candidates will also have opportunities to use CRISPR genome editing to engineer cell lines and apply various cutting-edge technologies to study mRNA processing.

2) The candidate will maintain mouse colonies and perform experiments. This will include regular visits to the mouse facility, breeding and weaning, genotyping, and harvesting of mouse tissues.

3) The candidate will assist in the training and supervision of less experienced laboratory personnel such as undergraduate students, graduate students, and research technicians.

4) The candidate will also maintain the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, which includes but is not limited to: preparing common laboratory reagents, ordering, filing inventories, tracking ongoing projects, equipment maintenance, and organizing the lab to comply with chemical, radiation, and biohazard standards.

Our current research focuses on the role of abnormal mRNA processing in human disease. We combine powerfully in vivo high-throughput profiling methods and CRISPR technology with genetically modified mouse models of human disease to study how abnormal mRNA processing contributes to disease pathogenesis in specific cell types in vivo. Two established areas of investigation are neurological disorders and cancer, but candidates with strong backgrounds in other biological contexts seeking to investigate mRNA processing in the area of interest are very welcome to apply.

Our two recent publications describe how cancer cells switch mRNA isoforms to survive chemotherapy (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109815__;!!NHLzug!NctJMWVS7G2lq0MzdNh5n4rmXYZZQFlueUSAj8WcJwY95ZQ6-TlrcmxioFS6wDehFtAZqslWdZzLk1hhM-C0ziU$ ) and how hyperactive mTORC1 alters mRNA isoform expression in tuberous sclerosis complex (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.31.506015__;!!NHLzug!NctJMWVS7G2lq0MzdNh5n4rmXYZZQFlueUSAj8WcJwY95ZQ6-TlrcmxioFS6wDehFtAZqslWdZzLk1hhovCPzNU$ ). Additional information can be found at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.path.pitt.edu/people/hun-way-hwang-md-phd__;!!NHLzug!NctJMWVS7G2lq0MzdNh5n4rmXYZZQFlueUSAj8WcJwY95ZQ6-TlrcmxioFS6wDehFtAZqslWdZzLk1hh9WvgIsU$

Applicants should send: 1) a cover letter describing areas of interest, career objectives and previous experience; 2) a CV; and 3) names and contact information of three references to Dr. Hun-Way Hwang at Hunway.Hwang@pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.