Postdoctoral Associate - Chromatin Regulation by Fusion Oncoproteins

Summary

The Eagen Lab at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate. This role involves leading highly interdisciplinary projects that explore how fusion oncoproteins regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. The successful candidate will collaborate with Dr. Kyle Eagen on a new project investigating DNA folding in brain cancer. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques such as Hi-C and CUT&RUN, the Postdoctoral Associate will uncover the functions of fusion oncoproteins in brain cancer. This position offers the opportunity to develop advanced scientific skills, publish research findings, present at conferences, and network with colleagues.

The Eagen Lab focuses on uncovering the mechanisms of DNA folding within cells and understanding how DNA misfolding contributes to human disease. One notable discovery from the lab is that the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein alters DNA folding, creating a nuclear compartment and upregulating transcription. The lab’s research has been published in journals such as Molecular Cell, Nature Genetics, and Cancer Research. Additionally, their work has been recognized with awards from the NIH Director, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and The Sontag Foundation.

The Eagen Lab conducts cutting-edge molecular research using interdisciplinary approaches and the latest technologies, while also promoting career development and advancement. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the nation’s top-ranked medical schools, is renowned for its exceptional, innovative, and collaborative research environment. The lab is situated in the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest biomedical complex, right next to Houston’s vibrant Museum District and Hermann Park.

The ideal candidate should be highly motivated, well-organized, and capable of managing time effectively. They should be able to work independently as well as part of a team. This role offers fundamental, career-building exposure in molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. The candidate will lead projects on fusion oncoprotein biochemistry and have the opportunity to publish manuscripts as a lead author.

Job Duties

• Leads research projects by designing, conducting, troubleshooting, and analyzing experiments using cellular, molecular, and biochemical assays.
• Evaluates data to plan subsequent stages of projects and collaborates with team members to refine research strategies.
• Disseminates research by publishing high-impact publications as a lead author and by presenting at international conferences.
• Creatively conceive projects, critically plan, effectively conduct, and rigorously analyze specialized and advanced research experiments:
  • Biochemistry & Genomics
    • Chromosome conformation capture analysis by Hi-C and Micro-C
    • Chromatin profiling by CUT&RUN
    • Nascent transcription analysis by SLAM-seq and TT-seq
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
    • Cell culture and transgene expression
    • CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
    • High-resolution and live-cell fluorescence microscopy
• Establishes new scientific directions by reading and evaluating scientific literature and integrating new findings into ongoing research projects.
• Maintains accurate records of research findings along with analysis of results using an electronic lab notebook and high-performance computing environment.
• Effectively interacts with team members to make essential contributions to exciting problems while ensuring a high standard of biomedical research.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in molecular biology and genomics techniques, such as Hi-C, ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, and/or RNA-seq
• Proficiency in cell biology, such as cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and/or fluorescence microscopy
• Experience in bioinformatics and computational biology using programming languages such as python, R, and bash
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• A strong track record of reporting previous work via peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals
• A record of taking initiative to solve problems and working to high-quality standards demonstrated through previous research projects
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Ability to multitask, work and learn independently, and be self-motivated in a fast-paced research environment