Postdoctoral Associate - Sun Lab

Primary Work Address: 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294

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We are seeking a curious Postdoctoral Associate ready to do groundbreaking research in the lab of Dr. HaoSheng Sun at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Our brains are made up of largely the same composition of neurons from birth to adulthood, yet we exhibit extensive behavioral changes across our lifespan. HaoSheng Sun’s laboratory stives to identify genetic timing mechanisms that govern the maturation of our nervous system and how environmental factors influence these mechanisms. His lab uses both worm and mouse models to understand conserved and divergent mechanisms of neuronal maturation across the animal kingdom. To learn more about the lab, visit their website: https://www.sunlaboratory.org/home

About the role:

We are seeking postdoctoral associates that are passionate about optimizing and developing novel genomics and biochemical tools in both C. elegans and mouse nervous system to profile their molecular composition in increased cellular resolution. This position is ideally suited for candidates with a strong background in genomics and biochemistry who want to apply their skills in diverse animal models to answer interesting neurobiological questions.

What we provide:

• Training in science writing and communication.

• Contributing to exciting research projects with potential for authorship on research papers and the opportunity to present original work at scientific meetings.

• 1:1 mentorship while also working collaboratively as part of a team.

• Weekly meetings with the Investigator and lab members in a collaborative and highly team-oriented setting.

• A competitive compensation package in a stimulating academic environment, and low living cost of the Birmingham area.

• Opportunity to work in a small, diverse, and encouraging research environment.

• A flexible schedule.

What you’ll do:

• Handling independent research project(s) related to transcriptional/chromatin regulation of neural development and plasticity.

• Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results.

• Exercises technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.

• Prepares technical reports, summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.

• Uses professional concepts in accordance with HHMI’s objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.

• Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement.

• Maintains a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.

• Participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.

• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may provide guidance to staff in the laboratory.

What you bring:

• Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline or MD degree, up to five years of experience working in a scientific laboratory.

• Previous experience with genomics method preferred: RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, single cell/spatial transcriptomics.

• Previous experience with biochemical methods preferred: subcellular fractionation.

• Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints.

• Operational knowledge of advanced lab equipment.

• Ability to provide work and supervise directions to others.

• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and collegial environment and foster this ability in others.

• Ability to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals. Often explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer