The project

Postdoc to study coupling between cell cycle, gene regulation and cell fates in cardiac lineages

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms coupling cell cycle progression, cell-cell signaling, gene regulation and cell fate decisions in the cardiopharyngeal lineage, which produces both cardiac and pharyngeal muscle progenitor cells.
The work will use the tunicate Ciona as a powerful model system to study the cellular and molecular bases of cardiopharyngeal development with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution, and at genome-scale. Ciona offers a unique model where key cardiopharyngeal cell fate decisions are strictly coupled with cell cycle progression in contrast to mammalian heart development, where multipotent progenitors can proliferate while retaining multipotency. We will thus explore the possibility of extending the work to mammalian stem cell models (e.g. 3D Gastruloids) as a complement, in order to gain insights into the evolution of mechanisms coupling between cell cycle progression, gene regulation and fate decisions.
The work will entail a broad range of experimental and computational techniques including molecular cloning, ascidian embryology and transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering, quantitative confocal microscopy, and single cell genomics (scRNA-seq, with possible expansion to scATAC-seq).
The project is funded by NIH/NHLBI award R01 HL108643. The primary location is the Christiaen lab in the Department of Biology, at New York University, which is an outstanding environment for research and academic training. There will be possibilities to travel and perform work in the main lab location at the Sars international Center for Marine Molecular Biology, at the University of Bergen (Norway), where complementary research facilities are available.

We are seeking candidates with an excellent track-record (as attested by peer-reviewed publications, and letters from former advisors), outstanding work ethics, proficiency in several of the basic techniques necessary for the project (molecular cloning, confocal microscopy, R and/or Python programming) and a strong ability to learn new methods (e.g. ascidian embryology and transgenesis). Experience with single cell genomics and/or mammalian stem cell culture are preferred but not required. Finally, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for external funding for which he/she qualifies, and supported to that end.