Postdoctoral position in GRNs controlling cell identity and morphogenesis in molluscs

The Lyons Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (a department at U.C. San Diego) is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar to support research projects funded by an NIH MIRA award.  The Lyons Lab (www.lyonslab.org) focuses on cell type differentiation and morphogenesis with a particular interest in how these processes evolve.  The postdoc will contribute to our lab’s goal to build the first comprehensive developmental gene regulatory networks (GRN) controlling early events in molluscan development (e.g. germ-layer segregation, organizer signaling, and gastrulation).  GRN analysis (both experimental and synthetic) will be carried out in the marine slipper snail Crepidula.  The postdoc can take advantage of a growing tool kit for functional genomics in Crepidula, as well as a new marine transgenics facility for maintenance of stable lines.  In collaboration with Dr. Lyons the postdoc will be responsible for leading an independent project of mutual interest that aligns with the postdoc’s career goals.

The postdoc will join a motivated group of students, staff, and postdocs who are broadly interested in cell and developmental biology of marine organisms.  Additionally, the Lyons Lab offers a broad range of other systems for comparative developmental studies among molluscs and echinoderms, and provides a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment within our group, and with other labs at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (https://scripps.ucsd.edu/), with U.C. San Diego’s main campus (https://ucsd.edu/), and with other institutions in the greater San Diego Area.

Qualifications:
We are seeking talented applicants who have a Ph.D. degree (or are close to earning one), and training in molecular biology, cell biology developmental biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.  Candidates with expertise in cis-regulatory element analysis, network inference, and bioinformatics are encouraged to apply.

Strong experience and interest in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:

Genomics: Preparation of samples and analysis of data for RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, scRNA-seq, BAC libraries, etc.

CRISPR/Cas9: Design and delivery (microinjection, electroporation) of CRISPR/Cas9 components for induction of DNA double-strand breaks.

Transgenesis:  Generation of transient and stable transgenes via transposons, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, etc.

To Apply:

Submit the following items, as a single PDF, to Dr. Lyons (d1lyons@ucsd.edu):

1) Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and qualifications

2) CV

3) Statement of research/career goals

4) Names and contact information for at least three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.