Our lab is interested in molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for smooth muscle cell (SMC) and endothelial cells (EC) phenotypic transitions. We use a combination of animal and cell culture models in combination with the bioinformatics analyses such as bulk and single cells RNA-sequencing to better understand these transitions, with the goal to develop novel therapeutic interventions for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques in order to reduce the risk of plaque rupture with possible myocardial infarction or stroke. 

Although outstanding candidates in all areas of biomedical science will be considered, special consideration will be given to individuals with substantial experience/expertise in 1) DNA/RNA-related molecular biology methods, including Chromatin Immunoprecipitation, Methylation, Cloning/Mutagenesis, lncRNA techniques, etc.; 2) working with transgenic and knockout animals; 3) studies of molecular mechanisms responsible for SMC phenotypic transitions.   
Applicant must have (or close to obtaining) a PhD degree or MD degree with relevant (no less than three years) laboratory experience, as well as proficient written and oral communication skills. The successful applicant is expected to apply for external fellowships, present results at scientific conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication. 

Review of applicants will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. The contract will be renewed annually and extended for a period of 3 years and possibly longer, dependent upon satisfactory progress and the lab’s funding situation. 
 

Principal Investigator: Olga A. Cherepanova, PhD

Lerner Research Institute Department: Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences

Lab Research Topics:

• Smooth muscle cell phenotypic transitions
• Atherosclerosis and other vascular pathologies
• Pluripotency
• Innate immunity
• Epigenetics
• For more information about the lab’s research, please contact Dr. Olga Cherepanova at [email protected]

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the project funded by NIH
• Design, perform, and analyze experiments
• Write manuscripts and participate in scientific conferences
• Help PI to train undergraduate and graduate students

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting.  Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Extensive experience with molecular biology methods, such as ChIP, cloning, mutagenesis, and other RNA/DNA-realeted methods
• Some experience with transgenic animal models, including Flox/Cre models
• Some experience with bioinformatics analyses (RNAseq, scRNAseq, ChIPseq)
• Some experience with immunohistology and microscopy
• Proficient written and oral communication skills

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Dr. Olga Cherepanova at [email protected].

• CV that includes a 1-2 paragraph Personal/Research Statement and the names and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF file

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI, Molecular mechanisms of smooth muscle cell phenotypic transitions