The Rios Coronado and Eichmann labs in the Cellular and Molecular Physiology Department at Yale School of Medicine are seeking a postgraduate researcher. This postgraduate associate position is
co-mentored by Dr. Pam E. Rios (75% effort) and Dr. Hyojin Park (25% effort) and is ideal for recent college graduates seeking full-time research experience before pursuing graduate or medical school training.
The Rios Coronado laboratory seeks to understand how coronary vessels of the heart expand and adapt to their environment. Our long-term goal is to unveil novel insights into the mechanisms underlying vascular adaptation to identify potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular artery disease. We investigate cardiovascular adaptations to extreme conditions and environments to survey their protection against cardiac damage.
Critical and unexplored cardiovascular changes occur after birth, and throughout growth, but their mechanisms are largely understudied. The Rios Coronado utilizes whole-organ immunolabeling [PMID: 40049164, PMID: 37305211] approaches to study the architecture of the coronary vasculature and its adaptations to growth and injury. We are looking for candidates who are broadly excited about interdisciplinary research in the cardiovascular space.
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 industry. The candidate will learn a variety of wet-bench technical skills and gain valuable theoretical knowledge.
Training
The candidate will assist in performing research, contributing to daily laboratory operations, and analyzing data. The candidate will gain experience with mouse models of cardiovascular diseases as well as techniques such as immunofluorescence microscopy ,PCR, mammalian/primary cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, and whole-organ immunolabeling, imaging, and analysis. Training in critical interpretation and communication of scientific data will also be provided.
Mentoring
The trainee will be directly mentored by Dr. Pam E. Rios Coronado for broader scientific and career development. Mentorship will include regular one-on-one meetings with faculty mentors, participation in lab meetings, and attendance at departmental seminars and journal clubs. The trainee will work closely with other lab members to promote teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills.
It is our goal for the postgraduate researcher to gain enough training and independence to intellectually contribute to a project and have authorship on a manuscript. While the associate will be expected to master relevant techniques, they will also be expected to contribute intellectually and develop project management skills that will serve them in future career steps.
Duration
Individuals, whose career plans include studying towards graduate degrees or medical degrees, are highly encouraged to apply. The appointment will be for 1 year with the possibility (and preference) of a second-year extension.
Qualifications
Minimum of a B.A./B.S. required.
Dr. Rios Coronado firmly believes the most important qualifications are as follows:
- Broad excitement about biological research and questioning
- An interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to science
- Creativity and taking initiative in problem-solving
- Self-motivation and strong communication skills
To expedite training and career-growth opportunities, candidates must have prior experience (minimum 1 year) working in a research lab and exceptional organizational skills. Willingness to work with mice is required (prior experience working with mice is strongly desired). Interest in cellular biology and/or microscopy analysis is required. Proficiency with coding in any language is preferred.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates can contact Dr. Pam Rios Coronado at pam.rioscoronado@yale.edu.The application should include: A brief description of research interest; preferred start date; current CV; and contact information for 2-3 references. Please write “Yale Postgraduate Application” in the subject line.