Postdoctoral positions are available in the Yao lab at Emory University School of Medicine to investigate Epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

The Yao Laboratory invites applications for NIH-funded Postdoctoral Fellow positions to join our dynamic research team in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine. Our group investigates the pivotal roles of epigenetic marks in mammalian neurodevelopment and neuronal function, and how dysregulation of these marks contributes to brain disorders.

We are particularly focused on dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of epigenetic modifications in the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our multidisciplinary approach integrates genetics, genomics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, leveraging multiple models, including mouse, Drosophila, and human patient–derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Training Opportunities
Fellows will receive extensive training in:

  • Cutting-edge wet-lab technologies, including genome-wide epigenetic profiling coupled with high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and iPSC differentiation.
  • Bioinformatics skills, including R/Bioconductor and Unix-based Python programming, for next-generation sequencing data analysis.
  • Professional development in grant and manuscript writing, scientific presentation, and independent career planning.

Fellows will benefit from access to state-of-the-art research facilities, a highly collaborative and collegial research community, and the outstanding resources of the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine.

Qualifications
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows and research specialists with a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms and genetics of human brain diseases. Candidates should demonstrate a strong work ethic, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. For postdoctoral fellows, a Ph.D. in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, or neuroscience is required. Experience in mouse genetics and next-generation sequencing technologies is preferred.

Applicants for the postdoctoral fellow are encouraged to email Dr. Bing Yao (bing.yao@emory.edu) and provide documents including a statement of research interest, a current CV and contact information for three references.

Whitehead Biomedical Research Building on Emory Campus (Yao Lab is in Room 355 located in the 3rd floor)
home_whitehead


The Yao lab is dedicated to fostering a positive and welcoming lab environment.

  • We welcome, support, and advocate for community members from diverse backgrounds including those from different races and ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender identities and sexualities, religions, disabilities, familial obligations, and other personal identities. 
  • We will recruit new lab members based on holistic evaluation and are open to recruiting at all levels.
  • We will share opportunities and resources with each other, such as conferences, papers, or ideas.
  • We engage in open conversations with people from all levels.
  • We will acknowledge our collaborators, both in and out of the lab, and give credit where it's due. Science is a team effort.
  • We will cultivate an environment where lab members feel safe sharing their needs, asking for help, and working collaboratively.
  • When safe, we point out problematic behavior.
  • We are accountable to and for each other.
  • We are receptive to constructive criticism.
  • We recognize each person’s right to personal privacy and our individual needs.
  • We celebrate our differences and use them to better our science.
  • We acknowledge that we all make mistakes and give each other the space to learn from them.