Postdoctoral Associate Genetics

Postdoctoral Position: Therapeutic RNA Development

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team focused on the development of therapeutic RNAs. Our lab is at the forefront of RNA biology, utilizing massively parallel reporters to identify sequence and structural elements that regulate mRNA stability and translation.

In this role, the candidate will leverage the Giraldez Lab’s expertise in RNA biology, genomics, and computational biology to engineer novel therapeutic mRNAs. The position involves exploring innovative solutions for gene therapy and vaccine development using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), advanced genomics tools, and massively parallel reporter assays to create tissue-specific mRNAs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and development of therapeutic RNA molecules for gene therapy applications.
• Conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RNA-based therapies.
• Utilize massively parallel reporter assays to engineer tissue-specific mRNAs.
• Collaborate with experts in lipid nanoparticle formulation and delivery systems to optimize RNA targeting and delivery.
• Apply genomic technologies to analyze RNA expression, stability, and functional outcomes in various models.
• Perform tissue culture experiments and integrate genomic approaches to investigate RNA regulation and therapeutic outcomes.
• Interpret data, write manuscripts, and present findings at conferences and seminars.

Preferred Expertise:

• Experience with in vivo studies using mouse models, including handling, injections, and analysis of therapeutic outcomes.
• Strong background in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery and formulation.
• Expertise in genomics, including RNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Experience in tissue culture and genomic approaches for investigating RNA stability and functionality.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as cloning, qPCR, and western blotting.

Qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology, RNA biology, genomics
• Proven track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong independence and drive, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills.

Recent Publications from the Giraldez lab:

1. Chromatin expansion microscopy reveals nanoscale organization of transcription and chromatin. Science 2023.
   Pownall ME, Miao L, Vejnar CE, M’Saad O, Sherrard A, Frederick MA, Benitez MDJ, Boswell CW, Zaret KS, Bewersdorf J, Giraldez AJ.
2. UPF1 regulates mRNA stability by sensing poorly translated coding sequences. Cell Reports 2024.
   Musaev D, Abdelmessih M, Vejnar CE, Yartseva V, Weiss LA, Strayer EC, Takacs CM, Giraldez AJ.
3. NaP-TRAP, a novel massively parallel reporter assay to quantify translation control. bioRxiv 2023.
   Strayer EC, Krishna S, Lee H, Vejnar CE, Beaudoin JD, Giraldez AJ.
4. Genome-wide analysis of 3′ UTR sequence elements and proteins regulating mRNA stability during the maternal-to-zygotic transition in zebrafish. Genome Research 2019.
   Vejnar CE, Abdel Messih M, Takacs CM, Yartseva V, Oikonomou P, Christiano R, Stoeckius M, Lau S, Lee MT, Beaudoin JD, Musaev D, Darwich-Codore H, Walther TC, Tavazoie S, Cifuentes D, Giraldez AJ.
5. List of publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=giraldez+AJ&sort=date

Application Instructions: Please email your CV, a one-page cover letter, a one-page description of previous research, and the names of three references to:

Antonio J. Giraldez, Ph.D.
Fergus Wallace Professor of Genetics
Yale University School of Medicine
Genetics Department

Please include “RNA Therapeutics Postdoctoral Position” in the subject of your email.

Email: antonio.giraldez@yale.edu, linnea.weiss@yale.edu

Applications will begin to be evaluated November 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled: https://apply.interfolio.com/157160

Giraldez lab website: https://www.giraldezlab.org/