Career Center

Position Description

The Geng lab (https://deohs.washington.edu/faculty/yijie-geng) at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, has an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join their team. The Geng lab uses the zebrafish model to study the molecular basis of behavior and mental illnesses. Our cross-disciplinary work uses a wide range of techniques, including but not limited to high-throughput chemical screen, high-throughput behavioral assays, machine learning-based behavioral analysis, whole brain imaging, large-scale zebrafish genetic screens, and genomics and bioinformatics approaches. Mouse and cell culture models are also used in the lab as additional models.

The Geng lab has pioneered high-throughput social behavioral screening and deep learning-based high-resolution social behavioral analysis in zebrafish. Using the methods we developed, the Geng lab has discovered novel chemical and genetic modifiers of social behavior with implications in autism spectrum disorder. Current projects in the Geng lab focus on: 1) developing innovative behavioral assays in zebrafish, as well as machine learning-based behavioral analysis pipelines; 2) investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of social behavior in vertebrate animals, and studying their implications in autism spectrum disorder and other mental illnesses; 3) developing a whole brain imaging and analysis platform for juvenile stage zebrafish; 4) discovering novel environmental and genetic modifiers of behavior through large-scale screening. Our goals are to transform our understanding of vertebrate behavior and to potentially develop novel therapeutics for mental illnesses, especially autism spectrum disorder which lack effective therapy.

Position duties

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be a contributing member of the Geng lab to carry out research, develop new research skills, generate publications, contribute to writing and submitting grants, and prepare for a career as an independent researcher.

This is a full-time,12-month appointment based at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, with reappointment to subsequent years contingent upon performance and availability of funding. The expected start date is July 2023 or later.

Salary range

The base salary range for this position will be $5,459 to $7,097 per month ($65,508 to $85,165 per year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The UW School of Public Health is committed to a diverse academic community. We view diversity, equity and inclusion as essential to our mission, and we welcome applications from individuals who have demonstrated research, training and service experience in this area. For more information, please see the following website: http://sph.washington.edu/diversity/.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics, or a closely related discipline, by the start date.
• Applicants will have extensive laboratory experience. Experiences working with the zebrafish or mouse model, brain imaging, bioinformatics, and computer programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or equivalent) are desirable but not required.
• Applicants will have at least one first author research paper published or in peer-review.
• Strong written and oral scientific communications skills, as well as commitments to lab collegiality and scientific rigor.

Instructions

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and the names of three (3) professional references through Interfolio: apply.interfolio.com/124740 Please reach out to Dr. Yijie Geng at yjgeng@uw.edu with any questions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.