Postgraduate Research Associate Position — Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Date: 05/19/2025
Overview of the position
We are seeking a motivated postgraduate research associate interested in joining the Berro Lab to gain experience in the fields of molecular mechanobiology, biophysics and bioengineering. The Berro lab is interested in how forces are produced and sensed at the molecular scale in cells, and we employ molecular and cellular biology tools and methods in our experiments (i.e., cell cultures, microscopy, PCR, protein and cell engineering).
We recently developed novel mechano-sensors that are compact, tunable, and modular for in vivo force measurements with diverse readouts (luminescence, fluorescence and analytical biochemistry). In this project, the candidate will primarily work with extracellular matrix force sensors recently engineered in our lab to quantify forces exerted by cells, tissues and organoids on their environment, for discovery research (e.g., during cell attachment, cell motility, embryo development) and drug screening applications (e.g. to discover anti-metastatic drugs).
The candidate should have enthusiasm for science and for expanding their methodological repertoire. The candidate is expected to participate in our weekly lab meetings and provide progress updates.
Education: This position offers the postgraduate candidate an opportunity to acquire technical skills and knowledge that will benefit them in their future career plans including graduate or medical school or biotechnology industry. The candidate will learn a variety of wet-bench technical skills and gain valuable theoretical knowledge.
Training: The candidate will be trained in techniques of molecular and cell biology, and they will participate in weekly lab meetings. The lab is affiliated to the Molecular Biophysics & Biology department, the Cell Biology department, and the Nanobiology Institute, which provide numerous opportunities for attending seminars by renowned speakers, and auditing classes to broaden the candidate’s knowledge and perspectives in biology.
Mentoring: In our laboratory, we promote a culture of inclusivity and mentoring for scientific growth for our trainees. The candidate will be co-mentored by PI Julien Berro in the form of weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, and by postdoctoral associate Seyma Nayir Jordan. Daily mentoring and training in lab techniques will be provided by the members of the Berro lab. Our lab has a collaborative atmosphere and provides support to learn and grow.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences or related field is required. Prior wet bench research experience is a plus. The position is for 1 year, with possibilities of renewal for another year. Preferred start date is in May but is negotiable.
Process to Apply
Please fill the application form in the following link:
https://forms.gle/MH7qt19TWzYmvec8A
Location
Yale West Campus
Integrated Science and Technology Center 214
850 West Campus Drive
West Haven, CT 06516