Postdoc or Research Associate Position Open

Institution: Western University of Health Sciences

Location: Pomona, California (in the greater Los Angeles area)

Department: Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine

Principal Investigator: Dr. Q. Quinn Li

Position Start Date: October 1, 2024

Position Overview:

A Postdoctoral Scholar or Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Q. Quinn Li. This is a two to three-year position with the possibility of extension depending on funding.

Project Description:

The individual will mainly work on the molecular mechanism of mRNA polyadenylation at the single cell transcriptomics and tissue proteomics levels. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the project aims to delineate the role of alternative polyadenylation of transcripts that regulate gene expression in the model plant Arabidopsis. Through single cell transcriptome and targeted proteomics analyses, the goal is to understand the dynamics of polyadenylation protein complexes during development and under different genetic backgrounds, leading to differential alternative polyadenylation that affect phenotypes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on the molecular mechanism of mRNA polyadenylation.

• Perform single cell transcriptome and targeted proteomics analyses.

• Investigate the dynamics of polyadenylation protein complexes during development and under various genetic backgrounds.

• Collaborate with team members and contribute to the lab’s research goals.

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

• Present research at conferences and seminars.

Required Qualifications:

1. Education:

• A PhD (for postdoc) or master’s degree (for Research Associate) in Biological Sciences, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.

2. Research Experience in:

• Molecular biology

• Genetics

• Bioinformatic analysis (desirable but not required)

Plant biology (preferred but not required)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of molecular biology and genetics.

• Experience with bioinformatic analysis.

• Ability to perform independent research.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Highly motivated and hardworking with a collaborative mindset.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Cover Letter

• Three names (with contact information) who can provide letters of recommendation

How to Apply:

Apply through sending email with a title "Postdoc application" or "Research Associate application" to qqli(at)westernu.edu.

For more details and to apply, please visit lab web page (https://research.westernu.edu/li-lab), and WesternU career page at https://www.westernu.edu/hr/employment/.

About WesternU:

At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff, and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.