Job Description

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Kyle Eagen in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. S/he will be responsible for leading highly interdisciplinary projects with a focus on the molecular basis of how chromosomes are folded and compartmentalized within nuclei and the interplay between epigenetic histone modifications and higher-order chromatin structure. An example is the lab’s recent discovery that broad regions of highly acetylated chromatin spatially cluster into contact hubs to form a novel nuclear subcompartment (Molecular Cell 2020). S/he will work side-by-side with Dr. Eagen to develop cutting-edge scientific skills as the lab tackles these problems and expands into new research areas.

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, well organized, manage time effectively, and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. S/he will be required to conduct experimental research, design one or more specific phases of entire projects, and publish manuscripts as a lead author.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads research projects by designing, setting up, conducting, troubleshooting, and analyzing experiments
• Evaluates data obtained from experiments for planning subsequent stages of projects
• Disseminates research results by publishing high-impact publications and presenting at international conferences

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creatively conceive projects, critically plan, effectively conduct, and rigorously analyze specialized and advanced research experiments:
  • Biochemistry & Genomics
    • Chromosome conformation capture analysis by Hi-C and HiChIP
    • Chromatin profiling by ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, and CUT&Tag
    • Nascent transcription analysis by SLAM-seq and TT-seq
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
    • Cell culture, transfection, and transgene expression
    • CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
    • High-resolution and live-cell fluorescence microscopy
• Publish results in high-impact journals as a lead author
• Establish new scientific directions by searching and evaluating scientific literature
• Maintain accurate records of research findings along with analysis of results
• Effectively interact with team members to make important contributions on big problems while ensuring a high standard of laboratory organization

      Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• MD or PhD in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or MD in the biological sciences
• Experience in molecular biology and genomics techniques, such as Hi-C, ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, and RNA-seq
• Experience in cell biology, such as cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and fluorescence microscopy
• Experience in bioinformatics and computational biology
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• A strong track record of reporting previous work via peer-reviewed publications
• A record of taking initiative to solve problems and working to high-quality standards
•  Attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Ability to multitask, work and learn independently, and be self-motivated

Additional Information

Baylor College of Medicine has made it a top priority to reward employees for their hard work and dedication. As part of this commitment, Baylor offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of a diverse workforce, while providing meaningful choices to meet individual and family needs. Additional benefits details are available at https://www.bcm.edu/careers/benefits.

For more information about the Eagen Lab and Baylor College of Medicine please visit www.eagenlab.org and https://www.bcm.edu/careers. 

Baylor College of Medicine requires employees to be fully vaccinated – subject to approved exemptions – against vaccine-preventable diseases including, but not limited to, COVID-19 and influenza.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.