Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in Jianfu (Jeff) Chen's laboratory at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. We are interested in craniofacial neuroscience, including the skull-brain interaction, craniofacial stem cells and regenerative medicine, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degeneration and pain. We use genetically modified mice and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)/brain organoids to model neurological and craniofacial disorders followed by mechanistic studies. We aim using the mechanistic studies to develop therapeutic approaches for treating craniofacial and neurological diseases. 

CCMB is located on the Health Sciences Campus of USC, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative and interactive research environment. Postdocs will participate in weekly seminars with 100+ people who are interested in developmental biology and stem cells in tissue regeneration. There are ample cross-training opportunities in areas such as bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Postdocs will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts nationally and internationally.

The candidate must have a PhD and be experienced with molecular, neuroscience, or developmental biology. Our research projects are supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. For details, please visit https://chenlab.usc.edu/

Some of our recent publications:

1. Ma L., Chang Q, Pei F, Liu MM, Zhang W, Hong YK, Chai, Y, Chen, JF. (2023) Skull progenitor cell-driven meningeal lymphatic restoration improves neurocognitive functions in craniosynostosis. Cell Stem Cell, PMID: 37863055.

2. Jariyasakulroj S., Zhang W., Bai J., Zhang MJ., Lu ZP., Chen, JF. (2023) Ribosome biogenesis controls cranial suture MSC fate via the complement pathway in mouse and human iPSC models. Stem Cell Reports (accepted).

3. Ma L., Wang F., Li YP., Wang J, Chang Q., Du YN., Sadan J., Zhao Z., Fan GP., Yao B., Chen, JF. (2023) Brain methylome remodeling selectively regulates neuronal activity genes linking to emotional behaviors in mice exposed to maternal immune activation. Nature Communications (accepted). 

4. Yu, M., Ma, L., Yuan, Y., Ye, X., Montagne, A., He, J., Ho, T. V., Wu, Y., Zhao, Z., Maria, N.S., Jacobs, R., Urata, M., Wang, H., Zlokovic, B.V., Chen, J., Chai, Y. (2021) Cranial suture regeneration mitigates skull and neurocognitive defects in craniosynostosis. Cell, 184, 243-256. PMID33417861.

Work Location:

• One location. In person.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Salary: From $64,480.00. per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

COVID-19 considerations:

• All staff and faculty are required to wear face masks and keep a 6ft. distance.

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Molecular Biology: 1 year (Preferred)
• Scientific research: 1 year (Preferred)
  

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.