Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Postdoctoral Fellowships in Epigenome Biology

The Gorkin Laboratory at Emory University (https://gorkinlab.org/) is recruiting postdoctoral fellows in epigenome biology. Our laboratory uses a variety of tools including epigenomics, genome-editing, and single-cell genomics to understand the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in development and disease. We seek postdoctoral fellows interested in chromatin remodeling, which is the process by which histone proteins are removed or translocated to make regulatory DNA sequences accessible to transcription factors and other gene regulatory machinery. Our focus on chromatin remodeling is motivated by the observation that chromatin remodelers -- an umbrella term referring to the enzymes and accessory proteins that remodel chromatin -- are among the most frequent targets of rare and de novo mutations in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Our research seeks to address critical gaps in knowledge about chromatin remodelers, including: What are the specific regulatory sequences and target genes that rely on chromatin remodelers, and in what cell types/contexts? How are chromatin remodelers localized to specific regions of the genome in different cellular contexts? By what mechanisms do disease-causing mutations in chromatin remodelers give rise to phenotypes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels? We work with several model systems including mice, human cell lines, and human iPSC-derived organoids. Our laboratory also seeks to achieve field-leading standards for inclusivity, integrity, rigor, and openness in science.

The broader training environment at Emory University is highly collaborative, includes several cutting-edge research core facilities (https://www.cores.emory.edu/eicf/), and has several interest groups of relevance to epigenome biology, including:

• The Emory chromatin club is a group of ~50 local epigenetics and chromatin researchers that meets monthly to discuss results and new developments in the field.
• The Atlanta Single Cell Omics and Analytics Initiative (ASCOmAI) brings together experts in the field of Single Cell Genomics across three Atlanta Universities – Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Morehouse School of Medicine.
• The Center of Computational and Quantitative Genetics (CCQG) is a highly interdisciplinary program that seeks to catalyze research and training across Emory University at the interface between statistical/computational sciences and human genetics.
• Our laboratory participates in a journal club and a joint lab meeting with several groups in the Emory Biology Department that study epigenetics and chromatin biology.

Additional information of potential interest:

• Policies and procedures of the laboratory: https://docs.procedures.gorkinlab.org/
• A statement by the laboratory director on DEIA: https://gorkinlab.org/dei/
• Emory University Department of Biology website: https://biology.emory.edu/home/
• Postdoctoral fellowship candidates interested in additional training in pedagogy and mentorship may be interested in the EMORY FIRST program (https://med.emory.edu/education/postdoctoral-training/first/index.html), which is part of the NIH Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) initiative.

Essential Qualifications:

• PhD in biomedical sciences or a related field.
• Highly motivated to drive cutting-edge research projects forward

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in at least one of the following areas as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications:
  • Single cell and/or spatial ‘omics
  • Computational multi-omic data analysis
  • CRISPR-mediated genome and/or epigenome editing
  • In vitro / stem cell derived models of neuronal development
• Candidates can be specialized in either “wet lab” experimental methods or “dry lab” computational methods, but should have knowledge of and interest in both.
• Experience in CRISPR-based targeted genome integration and/or high-throughput CRISPR-based screens is a plus
• Experience programing in R and/or Python in a Unix environment is a plus

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

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