Job Description

Summary

The lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the mechanisms regulating RNA transcription fidelity in vivo in Escherichia coli and their impact on bacterial physiology and phenotypic variability. The Postdoctoral Associate will design and conduct experiments to identify factors influencing transcription accuracy and characterize RNA polymerase errors using high-throughput sequencing approaches. The position involves developing and optimizing experimental approaches, analyzing sequencing data, and communicating research findings through scientific publications and presentations.

Job Duties

• Designs and performs experiments to investigate the mechanisms controlling RNA transcription fidelity in vivo in Escherichia coli.
• Develops bacterial genetic systems to identify factors affecting RNA polymerase accuracy and determine how transcription errors influence bacterial physiology and phenotypic variability.
• Performs molecular biology experiments, including bacterial strain construction, genetic manipulation, RNA extraction, and preparation of samples for sequencing.
• Performs RNA sequencing experiments using Illumina NextSeq technology and highly accurate RNA sequencing approaches, including circular sequencing (Circle-seq) and related methods.
• Optimizes sample preparation, library construction, and sequencing protocols to detect rare transcription errors.
• Analyzes sequencing datasets to quantify RNA error frequencies, identifies transcription error hotspots, and investigate genetic factors influencing RNA fidelity.
• Analyzes and interprets experimental findings.
• Evaluates their biological significance, and develops hypotheses for subsequent experiments.
• Maintains accurate laboratory records, prepare figures and reports, and contributes to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Presents research findings during laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Collaborates with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other laboratory members to advance ongoing research projects.
• Provides technical guidance on RNA sequencing, bacterial genetics, and experimental troubleshooting.
• Assists with maintaining laboratory protocols, ensuring research quality, and supporting compliance with institutional laboratory safety and research standards.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in genetics, genomics, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in RNA fidelity.
• Experience with Illumina NextSeq sequencing, and familiarity with circular sequencing (Circle-seq) methodologies is desired.