The Gorkin Laboratory at Emory University (https://gorkinlab.org/) is recruiting postdoctoral fellows in epigenome biology. Our laboratory uses a variety of tools including epigenomics, genome-editing, and single-cell genomics to understand the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in development and disease. We seek postdoctoral fellows interested in chromatin remodeling, which is the process by which histone proteins are removed or translocated to make regulatory DNA sequences accessible to transcription factors and other gene regulatory machinery. Our focus on chromatin remodeling is motivated by the observation that chromatin remodelers — an umbrella term referring to the enzymes and accessory proteins that remodel chromatin — are among the most frequent targets of rare and de novo mutations in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Our research seeks to address critical gaps in knowledge about chromatin remodelers, including: What are the specific regulatory sequences and target genes that rely on chromatin remodelers, and in what cell types/contexts? How are chromatin remodelers localized to specific regions of the genome in different cellular contexts? By what mechanisms do disease-causing mutations in chromatin remodelers give rise to phenotypes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels? We work with several model systems including mice, human cell lines, and human iPSC-derived organoids. Our laboratory also seeks to achieve field-leading standards for inclusivity, integrity, rigor, and openness in science.
The broader training environment at Emory University is highly collaborative, includes several cutting-edge research core facilities (https://www.cores.emory.edu/eicf/), and has several interest groups of relevance to epigenome biology, including:
- The Emory chromatin club is a group of ~50 local epigenetics and chromatin researchers that meets monthly to discuss results and new developments in the field.
- The Atlanta Single Cell Omics and Analytics Initiative (ASCOmAI) brings together experts in the field of Single Cell Genomics across three Atlanta Universities – Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Morehouse School of Medicine.
- The Center of Computational and Quantitative Genetics (CCQG) is a highly interdisciplinary program that seeks to catalyze research and training across Emory University at the interface between statistical/computational sciences and human genetics.
- Our laboratory participates in a journal club and a joint lab meeting with several groups in the Emory Biology Department that study epigenetics and chromatin biology.
Additional information of potential interest:
- Policies and procedures of the laboratory: https://docs.procedures.gorkinlab.org/
- A statement by the laboratory director on DEIA: https://gorkinlab.org/dei/
- Emory University Department of Biology website: https://biology.emory.edu/home/
- Postdoctoral fellowship candidates interested in additional training in pedagogy and mentorship may be interested in the EMORY FIRST program (https://med.emory.edu/education/postdoctoral-training/first/index.html), which is part of the NIH Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) initiative.
Essential Qualifications:
- PhD in biomedical sciences or a related field.
- Highly motivated to drive cutting-edge research projects forward
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in at least one of the following areas as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications:
- Single cell and/or spatial ‘omics
- Computational multi-omic data analysis
- CRISPR-mediated genome and/or epigenome editing
- In vitro / stem cell derived models of neuronal development
- Candidates can be specialized in either “wet lab” experimental methods or “dry lab” computational methods, but should have knowledge of and interest in both.
- Experience in CRISPR-based targeted genome integration and/or high-throughput CRISPR-based screens is a plus
- Experience programing in R and/or Python in a Unix environment is a plus
Interested candidates should reach out to Dr. Gorkin by e-mail: david.gorkin -at- emory.edu
Official job posting here: https://faculty-emory.icims.com/jobs/132988/post-doctoral-fellow/job