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Department Overview

As a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy of Oregon Health & Science University, this position will work in the area of gene therapy on development of various genome editing approaches and their delivery into target cells and tissues in vitro (human) and in vivo (mouse). This research is critical for developing gene therapy strategies for treatment genetic diseases and evaluating their feasibility, efficacy and safety.

This candidate will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, maintaining laboratory records; gathering, organizing and summarizing data; writing and publishing manuscripts; presenting results at seminars and conferences, writing experimental protocols; preparing various reports; contributing to grant applications and progress reports; training new personnel and performing a variety of duties which require flexibility, judgment, and unique experience in the field of somatic cell gene therapy.

Function/Duties of Position

Technical Research:Independently conduct cutting-edge research on the development and delivery of various gene correction constructs using both in vitro and in vivo models. These responsibilities include:

• design and optimize gene editing constructs for targeted genome modifications,
• employ iPSC derivation techniques and perform thorough characterization to ensure the quality and integrity of cell lines used in the research,
• day to day maintenance of cell cultures,
• perform molecular, histological, and immunocytochemical analyses to evaluate the effects of genome editing on targeted cells and tissues,
• implement effective methodologies to deliver gene editing constructs into fibroblasts and iPSCs, optimizing delivery efficiency,
• utilize differentiation protocols to guide iPSCs into neuronal lineage for studying gene editing effects on neuronal cells phenotype,
• evaluation of on-target and off-target edits using NGS approaches,
• develop and implement in vivo delivery strategies to target specific tissues and assess the efficacy of genome editing.

Report Preparation and Literature Research:

• Prepare reports containing analytical, descriptive, and evaluative content that will be submitted for publication or for contribution to grant applications, progress reports, presentations at national and international meetings, etc. Conduct research of literature and database analysis.

Data Collection/Analysis/Record Keeping:

• Collect and analyze scientific data pertinent to the research projects. Manage and maintain detailed animal records and all research related information in an easily identifiable manner for current and historical documentation.

Personnel Supervision:

• Serve as lead-person for laboratory research assistants; train staff in research techniques and protocols; delegate tasks and oversee work of students and other support staff.

Material Presentation:

• Present research findings to fellow investigators and collaborative scientists; attend professional meetings.

Other duties:

• Perform additional tasks as required or assigned, to fulfill the mission of the Center for Embryonic Cell & Gene Therapy.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. degree with major courses in physiology, neurobiology, molecular biology and cell biology.

Experience:

• Proven experience in designing and implementing genome editing strategies, with hands-on experience in iPSC derivation, neuronal differentiation, and in vitro/in vivo gene editing techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and first-author publications on related topics in peer-reviewed journals are required.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Must think strategically and work accordingly producing effective results and working efficiently within the time constraints of the position; able to analyze, integrate and interpret data critically. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats; ability to work independently and in small group settings. Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff; ability to prioritize work demands and coordinate research protocols with other staff; organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily complete and perform job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NGS and data analysis is highly desirable.

All are welcome