A full-time postdoctoral associate position is available in Dr. Peng Yao’s laboratory in Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Research in the Yao laboratory focuses on the roles of RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs in cardiovascular health and disease. We aim to understand how translational regulation of protein synthesis influence cardiac health and disease and provide new insights into discovery of novel RNA-based therapeutic approaches to treat heart disease. This position represents an opportunity to join a top-rated biomedical research campus. We are looking for candidates with experiences or interest in following areas: cardiac biology, cardiovascular disease, biochemistry and molecular biology, RNA biology, genetic and disease animal models, and RNA-based drug development. With the tremendous advancement of RNA technology and FDA-approved RNA-based therapeutics (e.g., siRNA, antisense oligos, COVID19 mRNA vaccine), it is promising to utilize the knowledge of RNA biology and translational regulation to develop novel therapeutics for treatment of cardiovascular disorders among many other human diseases. We currently have NIH funding to support a research program of translational control of cardiac health and disease and industry funding from Novo Nordisk company to develop novel RNA-based drug for treating cardiac and liver fibrosis.

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and the adjacent College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering are part of an internationally renowned life sciences research campus, providing excellent opportunities for collaborations between basic scientists, clinical researchers, and physicians. We provide competitive salary/benefits, excellent core facilities and a highly interactive group of scientists for individuals who are motivated and capable of conducting research independently. Our lab currently has collaborative research projects with Dr. Lynne Maquat (US National Academy of Science Member and 2020 Wolf Award winner) lab and Dr. Bradford Berk (former CEO of URMC and Distinguished Professor of UofR) lab. We are also associated with Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, the Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, and the Center for Biomedical Informatics.

Aab CVRI website: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cvri/
RNA Center website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/rna-biology/people/faculty.aspx
Yao lab webpage:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cardiovascular-research-institute/research/yao.aspx
https://sites.google.com/site/yaolabrhr

Qualification:
As a postdoc applicant, candidates should have a Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree granted within the past two years, with advanced training in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and animal genetics and/or pathology. Experience with either animal models or RNA biology is preferred. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, have scientific independence, excellent English speaking and writing skills, and international peer-reviewed publications.

To apply: Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, cover letter with description of current research, and contact information of three references to [email protected].