"RESEARCH FELLOW"

The Yadlapalli Lab at the University of Michigan's Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is seeking a highly motivated and passionate Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team. We are a group of scientists dedicated to addressing fundamental questions in circadian biology and sleep, using Drosophila melanogaster and mammalian cells as our model systems. Our lab has pioneered innovative cell biological approaches, enabling unprecedented visualization of individual clock mRNAs, genes, and proteins with subcellular resolution in intact fly brains. Recent research from our lab has provided the first insights into the spatiotemporal organization of clock components in clock neurons in vivo, uncovering novel cellular mechanisms. We employ state-of-the-art techniques in fly neurogenetics, proteomics, molecular biology, RNA biology, multi-omics, and quantitative imaging to investigate circadian mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels. Postdoctoral fellows will join a supportive, inclusive environment and contribute to exciting research while developing their own independent research programs.

What We Offer

• A vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research environment fostering creativity and collaboration at the University of Michigan, ranked among the top public research institutions in the U.S.
• Comprehensive training in fly neurogenetics, molecular biology, RNA biology, proteomics, multi-omics, and quantitative imaging.
• Tailored mentorship to support your scientific and professional development, including guidance on fellowship applications, job searches, and interviews.
• Opportunities to mentor junior lab members and collaborate with the broader scientific community.
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at the University of Michigan, including advanced imaging, genomics, and proteomics cores.
• Support to present your research at national and international conferences and build a professional network.
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental programs.

Research Focus

• Clock Protein Condensates: Defining the role of protein condensates in circadian rhythm regulation (Xiao et al., PNAS 2021, Yuan et al., Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 2022, Yuan et al., PNAS 2024).
• Clock mRNA Processing and Localization: Exploring the spatiotemporal organization of clock mRNAs and their localization to specific ribonucleoprotein (RNP) bodies, including underlying regulatory mechanisms (Yuan et al., Front. Physiol. 2022, Yuan et al., In Review, Xiao et al., In Review).
• Chromatin Accessibility: Investigating the dynamics of chromatin accessibility in clock-controlled genes (Yuan et al., PLOS Genetics 2024, Chen et al., In Review).
• Sleep Regulation: Investigate the molecular and cellular basis of sleep regulation.

Postdoctoral fellows will lead independent projects within these areas, leveraging their expertise to advance ongoing research and develop innovative research programs that lay the foundation for their future independent laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects aligned with your interests and the lab's research goals.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present research at scientific meetings.
• Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and grants to support your research.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Actively participate in lab and departmental activities, including journal clubs, seminars, and collaborative initiatives.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as neurobiology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or biochemistry.
• Strong interest in circadian biology, sleep, or related fields, with a desire to tackle challenging scientific questions.
• Experience with Drosophila genetics, imaging, RNA biology, biochemistry, or omics approaches is preferred but not required.
• A resilient, curious, and collaborative approach to research.
• Dedication to research integrity and scientific excellence.

Learn more about us at our lab website or view publications at Google Scholar.