Postdoc Position: Regulation of Echinoderm Larval Immune Responses at Auburn University

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher who to investigate gene regulatory networks that control innate immune response in echinoderm larvae. This postdoc will be located in the group of Katherine Buckley at Auburn University (USA).  This work will be performed as part of a funded international collaboration with Paola Oliveri at the University College London Centre for Life’s Origins and Evolution (UK). Successful applicants will use a range of molecular, cellular and embryological techniques in parallel with cutting-edge sequencing technology including single cell transcriptomics, genome engineering and computational biology. This work exploits the unique experimental advantages of echinoderm larvae to study innate immune responses at cellular resolution on a genomic scale.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a PhD in biological sciences or related field with relevant experience in at least one of the following:

• Molecular biology, including generating and analyzing functional genomics techniques (e.g., single-cell transcriptomics, RNA-Seq, ATAC-seq);
• Embryology of echinoderms or other marine invertebrates, including microinjection and/or cis-regulatory analysis;
• Interpreting data in the context of gene regulatory networks or comparative immunology.

This position is funded for 36 months. Successful candidates should be confident working independently and committed to cultivating a collegial research atmosphere. Additional strengths may include excellent organizational skills, ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and a passion for scientific research.