Research Post-Doc Fellow - Liao Laboratory

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A Brief Overview

The Liao Laboratory at the Center for Craniofacial Innovation at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute in affiliation with the Division of Plastic Surgery is seeking a highly motivated research fellow interested in craniofacial developmental biology and genetics. It is a particularly exciting time to carry out these studies at CHOP as we are integrating data institution-wide, across research centers, clinical informatics, deep phenotyping, genomic and multi-omic analysis of massive biorepositories of congenital conditions, cancers and pediatric diseases. We are eager to make translational advances to realize the goal of precision medicine to improve diagnosis and treatment of congenital and pediatric conditions.

Currently, we are specifically interested in recruiting a candidate with experience in human stem cell, iPSC and related in vitro model systems. We have a robust pathway of identifying human genes that are associated rare craniofacial conditions, where we apply human iPSC, embryonic stem cell, organoid or animal (mouse and zebrafish) models to dissect the developmental genetic basis of craniofacial malformations. We have several translational projects in progress applying complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches to develop gene and cell therapy for pediatric conditions.

The fellow will join a collaborative group of scientists who study the basic and translational biology of facial morphogenesis, cranial neural crest specification and development. In this instance, the fellow’s work will focus on functional genomics of human candidate genes implicated in orofacial clefts. We are interested in the basic biology of epithelial development, RNA splicing, epithelial mesenchymal transition, neural crest cell specification, migration, differentiation and potential for regeneration. We integrate the approaches of developmental and stem cell biology, and use multi-disciplinary tools to explore human tissue regeneration and disease.

We apply the latest technology in cell and organoid cultures, zebrafish developmental genetics with routine use of light sheet microscopy, CRISPR/Cas gene targeting, single cell RNAseq (long read), Cut&Run transcriptional analysis, cell transplants, FACS, live confocal labeling and imaging, transgenics, chemical screening, and many other experimental approaches. Our laboratory has a dedicated zebrafish facility outfitted with the latest imaging, injection and cell manipulation instruments. Researchers work in modern state-of-art 6,000 square feet of open format laboratory space consisting of 24 lab benches and desks, 2 microscope rooms, 2 procedure rooms, 2 cold storage and 4 degree procedure room. The laboratory space fosters interactions with other researchers working in the Center, with ample opportunities to participate in scientific seminars and professional development.

The laboratory has stable funding with extramural grants and internal support. There will be opportunities for eligible candidate to compete for independent funding.

Job Requirements

The candidate should have PhD or an MD/PhD and research experience in human or mouse cell culture, organoids, iPSC editing, human embryonic stem cell work, genetics. Additional experience with computational biology, microscopy, mouse genetics, development, cell, developmental, are desirable.

Excellent ability to work well in a team and teaching colleagues is mandatory. Outstanding oral and written communication skills are necessary.

Please email your inquiry, current CV, statement of interest and career goals, to Eric Liao, liaoce@chop.edu

Position is currently recruiting. Minimum of 3-year commitment is required. Available immediately.

Employing Department and Institution: Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, CHOP Research Institute.

What you will do

• Conduct independent scholarly research and develop new methods and protocols
• Participate in project planning, recording and evaluation of data
• Acquire technical, lab management and grant writing skills
• Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions and presentation at national meetings
• Supervise junior lab members
• Assist with other research projects

Education Qualifications

• Doctorate Required

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Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.
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