Postdoctoral Fellow; Biological Sciences_Ren

at  UNC Charlotte

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

The postdoctoral appointee must have earned a Ph.D. degree within the past five years from an accredited university in one of the following fields: Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Molecular Genetics, or Cell and Molecular Biology.

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, TRAINING/EDUCATION:

Candidates will be given priority consideration if they possess some of the following training and experience:

• Genomic data analysis: Proficiency in analyzing Hi-C, Micro-C, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and RNA-seq data.
• Single-molecule biophysics: Experience in live-cell single-molecule fluorescence microscopy.
• CRISPR/Cas9: Expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques.
• Epigenetics: Knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin structure.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Recent Ph.D. Degree: Awarded within the last five years.
• Genomic Data Analysis or Single-Molecule Biophysics: Expertise in one or both areas are highly preferred.
• CRISPR/Cas9 or Epigenetics: Experience in these fields will be considered a significant advantage.

HTTPS://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/MYNCBI/1BEES8DAP8GAK/BIBLIOGRAPHY/PUBLIC/

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to investigate the roles of liquid-liquid phase separation in genome organization and transcription regulation. Successful candidates will utilize a combination of advanced techniques, including, but not limited to, in vitro and in vivo single-molecule imaging, genomic approaches (Micro-C, CUT&RUN, and CUT&Tag), genetic engineering (CRISPR/Cas9), and proteomics.
The postdoctoral researcher will report to Dr. Xiaojun Ren and contribute to ongoing projects through original research, collaboration with team members, and mentoring of students. They will also play a key role in securing external funding by contributing to grant proposals.
While working closely with Dr. Ren, the postdoctoral researcher will exercise a significant degree of independent judgment and original thinking in conducting research that contributes to new knowledge and enhances UNC Charlotte’s reputation in research. Research findings will be published in recognized journals in collaboration with Dr. Ren.
The postdoctoral researcher will share responsibilities for student mentoring with Dr. Ren and will participate in departmental seminars and other professional activities as assigned.
A postdoctoral fellow is a professional training opportunity designed to enhance the research skills of recent Ph.D. recipients. This experience prepares them for future academic or research careers. While developing their own research skills, postdoctoral fellows also contribute to the University’s research efforts and assist in mentoring graduate students.
A postdoctoral fellow works under the supervision of a faculty mentor who provides guidance and shares insights into the realities of scientific careers. Within the scope of their assigned research project, fellows enjoy a significant degree of independence and are expected to publish their research findings during their appointment.

Postdoctoral appointments are distinguished by the following characteristics:

• The appointee has recently (within the last five years) earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate.
• The appointment is temporary.
• The appointment involves substantial full-time research or scholarship.
• The appointment is considered preparatory for a full-time academic or research career.
• The appointee works under the supervision of a faculty member.
• The appointee has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of their research or scholarship during the period of appointment.

As an EOE/AA employer and an ADVANCE Institution committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte welcomes applications from all underrepresented groups. Applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree and may be subject to a criminal background check.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The postdoctoral appointee must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and demonstrate a strong ability to apply scientific judgment daily. They will critically evaluate information from experimental data, literature, and oral communications to make informed decisions about the next steps toward research progress.

OTHER WORK/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ren Laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNC Charlotte is dedicated to understanding the fundamental principles of genome and chromatin regulation. We have been at the forefront of developing and applying live-cell single-molecule techniques in the field of epigenetics. Additionally, the lab was among the first to demonstrate the significance of liquid-liquid phase separation in epigenetic regulation.
Our research approaches utilize a diverse array of techniques, including in vitro and in vivo single-molecule imaging, genomic approaches (Micro-C, CUT&RUN, and CUT&Tag), genetic engineering (CRISPR/Cas9), proteomics, biochemistry, biophysics, and cell and molecular biology.