POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR

The Shen Lab at the University of Iowa seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to lead a project investigating genetic risk factors associated with substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team focused on improving the detection and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Susan Shen's lab investigates how genetic risk factors for brain disorders interact with environmental influences to shape cellular health. There may also be opportunities to contribute to additional projects, depending on the candidate's interests and expertise.

This position is ideal for researchers planning on a career in academia or industry who seek to gain leadership, mentorship, and communication skills.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

* Design, plan, and execute experiments with the Principal Investigator.

* Coordinate ongoing research efforts and analyze/interpret results.

* Generate, maintain, and differentiate induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines into brain-derived cell types. Conduct rigorous quality control for iPSC lines.

* Establish and optimize experimental protocols and analytic pipelines for assays (e.g., imaging-based biomarker assays, metabolic flux assays), multiomics profiling, and multielectrode array recordings (MEAs).

* Use genetic tools (e.g., CRISPR) to investigate the effects of variants of interest.

* Contribute to the preparation/presentation of scientific communications, such as scientific manuscripts, grant applications, progress reports for grants, and posters/talks.

* Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.

* Mentor trainees and assist with lab operations.

Position Expectations

1. Demonstrates respect for all members of the University community in the course of performing one's duties and in response to administrators, supervisors, coworkers, and customers.

2. Welcomes the richness of talent from a diverse workforce and recognizes that diversity brings stimulation, challenge, and energy that contribute to a productive and effective workplace.

3. Represents the interests of the University and of unit leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within unit goals and budgets; strives to promote continual process and quality improvement.

4. Seeks opportunities to enhance one's own professional knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to one's current position and/or to prepare for potential future roles and overall career development.

Supervision Received

The candidate is expected to work independently and collaboratively, with training and support from the Principal Investigator and other experts as needed. The Principal Investigator is committed to supporting the candidate's career development and will work with the candidate to develop an individualized mentoring plan.

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision may be exercised over other research personnel, including research assistants, students, and other trainees.

* A PhD in Molecular or Cellular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or another related biological science field, or an MD/DO.

* Outstanding verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

* Willingness to learn new experimental and computational skills.

* Strong interpersonal skills, motivated to lead a team and train others.

* Hands-on experience with iPSC culture and differentiation.

* Hands-on experience with CRISPR.

* Proficiency in electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and/or multielectrode arrays.

* Familiarity with machine learning, imaging analysis, and/or bioinformatics.

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.