Postdoctoral position to study the expression and functions
of polarity genes in retinal development

A self-motivated postdoc is encouraged to apply for a position at the University of Pittsburgh to study the expression regulation and functions of polarity genes by using the zebrafish retina as a model. Specifically, we are interested in understanding gene expression regulation by transcription factors, cis-regulatory elements, and nuclear architecture. In addition, how polarity genes regulate cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions in tissue morphogenesis and neural circuitry is another topic of our research. We use a variety of technologies and particularly need people who have experience in recombinant DNA and RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technologies. For a better understanding of our research interests, please refer to the following publications:

1. Zhang L, Wei X. (2022) Orientational cell adhesions (OCAs) for tissue morphogenesis. Trends in Cell Biology. Online ahead of print: S0962-8924(22)00172-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.07.002.
2. Guo C, Zou J, Wen Y, Fang W, Stolz DB, Sun M, Wei X. (2018) Apical Cell-Cell Adhesions Reconcile Symmetry and Asymmetry in Zebrafish Neurulation. iScience. 3:63-85.
3. Fang W, Guo C, Wei X. (2017) Rainbow Enhancers Regulate Restrictive Transcription in Teleost Green, Red, and Blue Cones. The Journal of Neuroscience. 37(11):2834-2848.
4. Zou J, Wang X, and Wei X. (2012) Crb Apical Polarity Proteins Maintain Zebrafish Retinal Cone Mosaics via Intercellular Binding of Their Extracellular Domains. Developmental Cell. 22(6):1261-1274.

Prospective applicants should have a PhD in developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, or cell biology. The applicants are expected to be responsible, reliable, and self-motivated. The salary of the position is commensurate with education and experience, following the NIH postdoctoral salary standard and the University of Pittsburgh regulations. A comprehensive benefits package will be provided. An ideal start date is in April 2023, but other dates can also be considered.

Applicants can send a cover letter, a CV, a list of references, and a description of research interests to Dr. Xiangyun Wei at [email protected] (Xiangyun Wei, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, United States).

Qualifications or Expectations:

• A PhD degree in developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, or cell biology.
• Experience in recombinant DNA and RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technologies is particularly desirable.
• The applicants are expected to be responsible, reliable, and self-motivated.

Opportunities Available:

• Opportunities of presenting research findings to several Pitt zebrafish research labs at group meeting.
• Pitt career development resources
• Professional meetings

Duties or Responsibilities:

• Assistance in mentoring undergraduate students
• Data organization and analyzation
• Fish stain maintenance (no effort required for fish feeding, tank cleaning, facility care, etc.)
• manuscript writing
• Wet lab research

Application Instructions:

Visit www.join.pitt.edu and View Requisition Number 22008416 to apply.