"RESEARCH FELLOW"

The Helms Laboratory in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, at the University of Michigan is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join our interdisciplinary team focused on genetic cardiomyopathy, particularly hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy subtypes. We utilize both iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte and mouse models. We generate gene-edited, reporter knock-in, and patient-derived iPSC lines. We work closely with biomedical engineering collaborators and utilize a range of tools for assessing iPSC-CMs, including a muscle bundle platform we developed to increase rigor of structure-function quantifications. We also perform CRISPRa high throughput screening and massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) in iPSC-CMs. A current major focus of the lab is implementation of MPRAs to decode and harness noncoding variant contributors to cardiomyopathy. We have also developed two new mouse models for translational discovery and testing of gene therapy approaches (novel haploinsufficient models of MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and DSP arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy that recapitulate the human diseases). The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to take projects with them to their independent position.

Lab website: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/helmslab

• Work closely with others in the laboratory to generate and study iPSC-CM models of cardiomyopathy.
• Perform high throughput studies using CRISPR and/or MPRA technologies.
• Perform translational experiments in mouse models as directed by cell-based studies.
• Take initiative and develop/adapt new concepts and techniques.
• Read the relevant scientific literature deeply.
• Attend and present in seminars and in joint lab meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at national meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cell or molecular biology, genetics, and/or related fields.
• Expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and/or cardiac physiology.
• Highly motivated, organized individual with a demonstrated track record of innovation and initiative.
• Ability to work collaboratively, take initiative, and complete projects.
• A strong publication record with one or more first-author publication(s)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with iPSC and iPSC-cardiomyocyte culture, quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy, and/or analysis of high-throughput datasets.