Postdoctoral Fellow

Van Andel Institute

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Burton Laboratory. This role will involve managing a research project focused on understanding the varying severity of genetic disorders, particularly metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, in individuals with the same pathological genetic variant. The research proposes that protective genetic variants or environmental factors (diet/microbiome) contribute to milder disease presentations. The project utilizes the model organism C. elegans to create animal models of human genetic diseases and conduct high-throughput genetic and environmental suppressor screens to identify potential therapeutic approaches. The lab is particularly interested in candidates with experience in bacterial genetics or C. elegans biology, but encourages all interested applicants to apply as training is available for all aspects of the project.

Requirements

A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biology, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
A record of peer-reviewed publications is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

Experience in bacterial genetics.
Experience in C. elegans biology (particularly mapping suppressor mutations from genetic screens).

Responsibilities

Leadership opportunity managing a research project on how bacteria regulate animal (elegans) physiology.
Conducting high throughput genetic suppressor and diet/microbiome suppressor screens.
Generating animal models of human genetic diseases using CRISPR.
Collaborating with scientists in the VAI Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming and throughout the Institute.