Houston Methodist Research Institute, Department of RNA Therapeutics and Cardiovascular Sciences

Position ID:Houston Methodist Research Institute-Department of RNA Therapeutics and Cardiovascular Sciences-POSTDOC [#21576]
Position Title: Postdoctoral fellow in RNA molecular biology and RNA Therapeutics
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Houston, Texas 77030, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Cellular and Molecular Biology / RNA Biology
Appl Deadline:2022/12/31 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/04/05, finished 2023/04/15, listed until 2022/10/12)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed. ***

Postdoctoral fellow in RNA molecular biology and RNA Therapeutics in the Center for RNA Therapeutics at the Houston Methodist Research Institute

JOB SUMMARY Performs advanced research duties under the supervision/direction of a Principal Investigator.

This position is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (open rank) to work in an RNA molecular biology lab that helps develop novel RNA therapeutics. We already have a number of RNA therapy candidates underway, but the postdoc will be encouraged to (and guided through the process of) developing and testing their own RNA therapy candidate using in vitro (and if successful moving to pre-clinical) studies. Prior RNA biochemistry and/or molecular biology experience is needed, with previous experience with Group I or group II intron splicing being particularly useful. Excellent organization, communication and critical thinking skills, the ability to work both independently and in a team-based environment, plus self-motivation are also prerequisites.

Candidates will have the opportunity to do both basic science and translational research as they work in a fast-paced and collaborative research environment in the heart of the Texas Medical Center at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. They will learn new RNA molecular biology skills and use their skills to design and develop new candidate RNA therapeutics in the lab of Dr. Daniel Kiss https://kiss.hmailabs.org/. The Kiss RNA lab is part of the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Center for RNA Therapeutics (https://www.houstonmethodist.org/for-health-professionals/department-programs/rna-therapeutics/) which aims to develop new RNA-based therapies to treat human diseases. Other projects focusing on the lab’s NIH and AHA-funded basic science research https://kiss.hmailabs.org/research/ are also available as a companion to the postdoc’s RNA therapeutics project(s).

The Kiss RNA Lab is committed to enhancing diversity in scientific research and has a strong history of hiring and training diverse team members. Postdocs belonging to underrepresented groups, those with non-traditional career tracks, and those interested in eventually transitioning to industry positions are strongly encouraged to apply. Your training will be tailored to you with an individual development plan (IDP) which will focus on aspects of research relevant to your long-term career goals (including those away from the bench). Depending upon your career track, you will be encouraged to apply for independent fellowships, but that is not mandatory as this position is fully funded for at least two years. In particular, those on an academic career track are encouraged to apply for (and will be mentored in preparing) postdoctoral fellowships to help their long-run academic prospects. For those on an industry track, we can partner with Houston Methodist Hospital’s RNA Core to offer training in (& give you hands-on experience with) both GLP and cGMP RNA manufacturing.

The position is funded (by a combination of NIH, AHA, and philanthropic funds) for at least two years. The position is full time, pays on the NIH scale (including yearly raises), includes full benefits (including health insurance, a 403B retirement plan, paid time off, and eligibility for quarterly bonuses), and applicants are eligible for relocation assistance and a signing bonus.

Ideally, the postdoc would start between May and August of 2022, but a later start date can be accommodated for the best applicant. If interested, please attach:

(a) a letter of interest, (b) curriculum vitae, (c) a PDF of a recent publication/preprint, and (d) a list of three references with your application.

In your letter of interest, please describe your research background, how your previous research qualifies you for this opening, your contribution to your publication(s) and your future interests and career goals. Please email materials to: dlkiss@houstonmethodist.org.


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Contact: Daniel Kiss, PhD, (713) 441-2720, (713) 363-9781 (fax)
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
Daniel L. Kiss, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Center for RNA Therapeutics
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Office: R10-113 | Lab: R10-430.7-9
6670 Bertner Avenue
Houston, TX 77030 USA
Web Page: https://www.houstonmethodistcareers.org/jobs/?search_term=RNA