Post Doctoral Research Fellow - Circadian Biology and Genomics

A Brief Overview

Assume responsibility for an on-going, innovative research project as a Postdoctoral Fellow at CHOP. Our postdoc experience will broaden your skillset, scientific background, and research capabilities.

CHOP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

About the Laboratory

A postdoctoral fellow is needed to join a strong team involved in spanning both dry and wet lab approaches. The postdoctoral fellow will be affiliated with both the Prof. Struan Grant and Dr. Shaon Sengupta labs at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, performing research, regulatory and managerial responsibilities for both groups. The two labs are next door to each other, share some common space and have a history of collaboration and resource-pooling. The Grant lab's overarching aim is to elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits, principally in pediatrics - focusing principally on sleep and obesity-related traits. These studies will build on the already seminal work that has emerged from genome wide studies conducted at CHOP and at other peer institutions. The Sengupta lab studies the effect of circadian rhythms in protecting against lung injury from viral infections, using animal models, cell culture and organoid systems. The circadian focus on lung biology and immunology provides several unique and exciting research opportunities for scientific inquiry. Overall, the distinct areas of investigation for the Grant and the Sengupta labs allows the ideal candidate to acquire and develop different but important skillsets, providing unique professional and scientific opportunities. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to build joint projects across the two labs focused on sleep.

The successful candidate will possess excellent research, communication, organizational and leadership skills, including detailed recordkeeping, computer literacy, scientific writing and the ability to contribute to method development and validation as well as work seamlessly with two teams. After initial training, this individual is to perform independently with minimal guidance, and will work with the Principal Investigators, Prof. Struan Grant and Dr. Shaon Sengupta, in facilitating the daily running of the operation as part of the position to help develop lab management skills. We are looking for a candidate with experience in various molecular biology techniques, animal models, flowcytometry, utilization of bioinformatics tools, application of statistical methods and supervision of research scientists. Experience or knowledge of lung biology and circadian biology will be viewed favorably but not essential. Abundant opportunities to mentor trainees (undergraduate and graduate students) are available. Further, several opportunities for professional development through the CHOP Research Institute are available for customizing future career goals. An option to pursue work under a T32 program may also be available for those eligible.

For further information contact Struan Grant: grants@chop.edu or Shaon Sengupta: Senguptas@chop.edu

Requirements

A terminal degree PhD, MD, DVM with a major in biology, genomics, chemistry, immunology, biochemistry or related field preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills are a must. Specific research experience should include various molecular biology techniques, utilization of bioinformatics tools, application of statistical methods and supervision of research scientists.

What you will do

• Have research projects in each of the labs, which they are driving to ensure continued scientific development.
• In coordination with the respective Principal Investigators (PIs), ensure that projects are conducted by the team in a timely and efficient manner.
• Liaise with external collaborators on an as needed basis.
• Pursue funding for their research, plus participate in team efforts to raise funding for the respective labs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project planning, recording, and evaluation of data.

• Conduct independent scholarly research, developing new methods and protocols under the guidance of a mentor (principal investigator).

• Acquire technical, lab management, and grant writing skills.

• Participate in seminars, lectures, poster sessions, national presentations, and professional workshops.

• Supervise junior lab members.

• Assist with other research projects as needed.

Education

• Required: Doctorate