Postdoctoral Fellow Positions in Epigenomics and RNA Medicine

Two fully supported postdoc positions are immediately available in the lab of Dr. Wenbo Li in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas, USA. One of the positions focuses on Glioblastoma, and the other one focuses on Alzheimer’s disease.

Research Summary: Our lab studies RNA-mediated gene regulation and 3D chromatin organization. The overarching goal to decipher the functions of noncoding DNA and RNA elements in the human genome in gene transcriptional control, which can ultimately help to improve human disease intervention.  Our lab utilizes biochemical methods and various omics approaches (e.g., ChIP-seq, PRO-seq, Hi-C, CLIP-seq etc.), as well as (epi)genome editing tools (CRISPR/Cas9/dCas9/Cas13).  Candidates are encouraged to read the recent publication of Dr. Li’s lab (Nature reviews. Genetics. 2016; Nature Communications. 2019; RNA Biology. 2020; Oh et al., 2021, Nature; Xiong et al., 2021, Cell Research; Lee et al., Mol Cell, 2021; Choi Nature Cell Biology, 2022; Zhu Cell Reports, 2022; Wang et al., Nature Microbiology, 2023).

A complete list of Dr. Li’s publication can be found in PubMed:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Jip8J4DFUsQe/bibliography/public/; or Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=cBKgsuAAAAAJ

About the current position: We are looking for motivated postdocs with an enthusiasm to uncover fundamental mechanisms of gene transcriptional control and their dysregulation in diseases. For one of the open positions, the focus is on glioblastoma (GBM), one of the deadliest cancer types without effective targeted therapy. The other position focuses on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a leading health problem in aging population. The candidates will focus on using epigenetic tools (such as ChIP-Seq, Cut&Run, Hi-C, and single cell multi-omics) to study gene and genome regulation, and the roles of ncRNAs in GBM or AD. Our lab provides ample opportunities for collaboration within the Texas Medical Center, the largest Medical Center in the world. As a member of the NIH 4D nucleome (4DN) program (https://commonfund.nih.gov/4dnucleome), our lab offers postdocs many opportunities to attend 4DN consortium group meetings, and exposure to world frontiers of 3D genome research. These opportunities will be highly beneficial for the candidates’ research career. Competitive salary and benefits will be provided. In terms of location, Houston is a rapidly growing city with a vibrant culture, offers an ideal environment for life and career.

About you: The candidates are expected to be: 1) highly motivated; 2) have a recent PhD, or MD/PhD degree, with first-author publications; 3) have extensive experiences in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics/genomics, cancer biology (for GBM) or neuroscience (for AD); 4) excellent communication skills and a solid knowledge of molecular biology and gene regulation are required, preferably in one of the areas of epigenetics, developmental biology, neuroscience or cancer biology.

To apply: Contact Dr. Li at Wenbo.li@uth.tmc.edu, with an email title of “Postdoc _your name_degree granting institution and year”. For example: “Postdoc_ Jason Smith_UTexas_2023”. Please be prepared to provide: 1) your detailed cv, 2) a brief description of your short term and long-term goals, scientific background and interests (in 2 pages); and 3) the contact information for two to three referees who can provide a recommendation letter.  You are welcome to inquire via email if you have questions.