Post-doctoral researcher in neurogenetics/neurodevelopmental disorder research

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Kosuke Izumi in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The lab focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying rare Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders, including CHOPS syndrome and CBX1-related syndrome. These disorders are caused by genetic variants in genes encoding key chromatin proteins and serve as valuable models for understanding the role of chromatin regulation in human neurocognitive development. By leveraging clinical data, patient-derived cell lines, and mouse models, the research aims to uncover the molecular basis of developmental disabilities in children more broadly.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for developing research plans, drafting manuscripts, and performing a range of molecular biology experiments. These include cell and tissue culture (primarily induced pluripotent stem cells), mouse husbandry and colony maintenance, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, qPCR, droplet digital PCR, DNA/RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and immunohistochemistry staining, among others.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree. Prior experience in molecular biology techniques with a track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in iPSC culture/neuronal differentiation experiments, mouse handling, colony maintenance, and tissue dissection.

Selected Publications

1. Izumi K et al. (2015).Nat Genet, 47(4):338-44.
2. Fiordaliso SK et al. (2019).Am J Hum Genet, 105(5):987-995.
3. Kuroda Y et al. (2023).Genet Med, 25, 100861.
4. Iwata-Otsubo A et al. (2024).Hum Genet, 143(3):437-453.