Postdoc Fellow - Genetics (Arur Lab)

The Arur Lab at MD Anderson studies the impact of maternal nutrition on female fertility, cancer onset and small RNA production. In human females, oocytes complete meiosis I at birth, and enter a long period of meiotic I and II arrest until onset of meiotic maturation at puberty. At the end of meiosis I oocytes are packed with maternal RNAs, which, upon fertilization of the mature oocyte, are necessary for early embryonic development. The RNAs are degraded later in embryogenesis to enable embryonic genome activation. Errors during the generation and/or protection of the maternal RNAs may adversely affect oogenesis and result in infertility. Similarly, errors in degrading the maternal RNAs during embryogenesis can cause birth defects. Thus, mechanisms that coordinate the protection of maternal RNA during oogenesis with their timely degradation in the embryo are critical for understanding the molecular basis of infertility and birth defects; such mechanisms remain an intense area of research. Using C. elegans meiosis I oocytes as our model system we identified that the nutritionally regulated RAS/ERK signaling pathway phosphorylates Dicer and Drosha, small RNA biogenesis enzymes. Currently, we are testing the hypothesis that signal-induced regulation of Dicer and Drosha coordinates the protection of maternal RNAs during oogenesis with their timely degradation in the embryo. We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow with experience and a strong background in small RNA biology, genomics, and passion for exploring new paradigms on how small RNA biogenesis affects development and leads to onset of disease.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Gain skills in C. elegans genetics, CRISPR Cas9 genome editing, data analysis, bioinformatics pipeline on TinyRNA, library construction etc. Develop expertise in grant writing, study design, presentation, manuscript preparation and experimentation.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Individuals with a PhD degree in molecular biology, genetics, RNA biology, bioinformatics, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Proven track record of publications, excellent spoken and written communication skills are required

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Click the link below for more information on the Arur lab.

https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/arur-laboratory.html

POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition02/01/2025