Overview
The laboratory of Dr. Ronald Breaker at Yale University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position to participate in a newly funded research program supported by the John Templeton Foundation. The project seeks to discover and characterize novel RNA-based gene regulatory mechanisms in mammals, with a particular focus on riboswitches that sense lithium and sodium ions.
This interdisciplinary project builds on the laboratory’s recent discovery of the first riboswitch candidates in humans and other mammals. The successful candidate will help investigate how these RNA elements function in eukaryotic cells and explore their roles in neuronal development, ion homeostasis, and human disease.
Research Focus
The postdoctoral researcher will lead experimental studies aimed at validating candidate mammalian riboswitches and defining their biological functions. Research activities may include:
- Genetic manipulation of mammalian cell lines using CRISPR-based approaches
- Construction and analysis of reporter systems to monitor RNA-mediated gene regulation
- Functional characterization of candidate riboswitches in cultured cells
- Transcriptomic and gene expression analyses
- Investigation of lithium- and sodium-responsive regulatory pathways
- Development of cellular models relevant to neuronal biology and neuropsychiatric disorders
- Collaboration with computational biologists and RNA biochemists within the Breaker laboratory
The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of an emerging field at the intersection of RNA biology, genetics, neuroscience, and human physiology.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related discipline
- Strong publication record demonstrating research productivity
- Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular genetics
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with CRISPR genome engineering
- Expertise in eukaryotic gene regulation or RNA biology
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing approaches and transcriptome analysis
- Experience with fluorescence reporters, microscopy, or single-cell methods
- Interest in neurobiology and human disease mechanisms
Research Environment
The Breaker laboratory is internationally recognized for pioneering discoveries in RNA biology, including the identification of riboswitches and other functional RNA classes. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment located in Yale Science Building on Yale’s Science Hill campus. The position provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding core resources, and extensive opportunities for scientific collaboration and professional development. The laboratory also participates in the Yale Center for RNA Science and Medicine, which provides many career development and networking opportunities.
Appointment
This is a full-time postdoctoral position with an initial appointment of one year, renewable annually based on satisfactory progress and continued funding. Competitive salary (entry level starting at $68,500 per year) and benefits will be provided in accordance with Yale University policies.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter describing research interests and career goals
- A curriculum vitae
- A brief summary of previous research accomplishments
- Contact information for three references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send applications to Dr. Ron Breaker at ronald.breaker@yale.edu.
Yale University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.