Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Rank: Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
August 26, 2021; position open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please provide a letter of application, a current CV and contact information for three professional references.
Department Summary
The Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) is a research institute that reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation. We have 18 labs and approximately 150 employees, including 45 graduate students who train in our labs. We have an administrative structure, which includes accounting, purchasing, personnel, PI support, building management, and three service centers. Our annual budget is about $9.5 million, primarily from federal research and training grants.
Position Summary
The Grimes lab investigates mechanisms of how complex three-dimensional shapes form through embryonic patterning, morphogenesis, and growth. For this, we use genetic, imaging, and sequencing technologies, as well as quantitative phenomic and morphometric analyses, primarily in the zebrafish system. Specifically, we are asking: 1) how can an initially symmetric embryo tell its left from right; 2) how does the embryonic body straighten to generate a precisely linear axis; and 3) how is that linear axis then maintained through growth, preventing the formation of scoliosis-like spinal curves? Addressing these questions allows us to make strides towards deciphering how organismal shape arises, information we then use to understand the origin of human disease and which can be leveraged for strategies in regenerative medicine. Within this framework, we are especially interested in the roles of motile and sensory cilia in patterning and morphogenesis. As such, we investigate how motile cilia generate fluid flows as well as the signaling mechanisms by which cilia respond to fluid flow-derived signals in developmental contexts.
The lab opened in 2019 and has been successful in accruing substantial research funds including an NIH R00 Pathway to Independence award, an R35 Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award, as well as grants from private foundations. All lab trainees have been successful in securing fellowships from the NIH, NSF and HHMI. The Grimes lab is committed to inclusive mentoring of all members. The broader environment at the University of Oregon is exceptional for ambitious postdocs. Our science complex is highly integrated, allowing for cross-disciplinary collaborations; our resources and core facilities are exceptional; and we have a world renowned and interactive community of zebrafish researchers (around 11 labs).
The Postdoctoral Scholar will be responsible for undertaking a research project and technical activities related to projects in the lab. Techniques may include zebrafish genetics and genomics, generation of transgenic and mutant lines, confocal live and fixed imaging, standard molecular biology, single cell RNA sequencing, and protein work. Other responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, writing manuscripts and research proposals, delivering research presentations at conferences, and training and mentoring of other lab members.
Minimum Requirements
The applicant should have, or will soon have, a PhD in a relevant discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Skills in at least one of the following areas are preferred: developmental biology, zebrafish genetics, confocal microscopy, bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, molecular biology.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
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