The Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (MCSB) invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Molecular, Cell or Systems Biology with an emphasis on Immunology starting July 1, 2023. The successful candidate will have a record of original research accomplishments in the field of Molecular/Cell or Systems Biology of Immunology and have demonstrated a potential for attracting extramural funding. At UCR, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, independent, and internationally recognized research program. The successful candidate will also advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, develop and teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Immunology and related disciplines, as well as engage in university and extramural service activities.

This position will build on existing campus strengths in genomics, proteomics, epigenetics and biochemical regulation in model organisms and humans. Faculty expertise includes molecular and cellular biology, epigenetic and metabolic control, non-coding RNAs, chromatin structure, transcription regulation, DNA repair, stem cell biology, cancer, infectious diseases, microbiome, neuroscience, and aging.

The successful candidate will have access to modern campus facilities including a high-performance computing cluster, the Center for Advanced Microscopy, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics cores as well as stem cell cores for facilitating research and collaborations.

Applicants should address aspects of innate immunity and/or adaptive immunity including topics on genetics and epigenetic, development, regulation of the immune systems in vertebrates as well as evolution and comparative genomics of the immune systems. Applicants whose research integrates across multiple areas are encouraged to apply. A competitive start-up package will be provided, with salary commensurate based on education and experience.

Required qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: A Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in immunology, molecular, cell Biology, or related fields. Preferred qualifications for this position include commitment to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. Potential or demonstrated ability to successfully work with and benefit a diverse student body.

Advancement through the Assistant Professor ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

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The laboratory of Dr. Manuela Martins-Green in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join its research team working on cell and molecular mechanisms of response to injury. 

The research will focus on determining whether injury caused by toxins, specifically third-hand smoke (THS) toxins, lead to epigenetic changes that result in reduced production of ATP. We also seek to determine whether those changes are passed on from generation to generation and for how long they might remain. This project will also involve other basic mechanisms of mitochondrial function affected by exposure to THS.  For these studies we have developed a novel exposure system of mice that mimics exposure of children to THS in homes of smokers.  The results we will obtain will have implications for policy changes to reduce/avoid exposure of children, the elderly, and those who live with smokers.

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The Karginov lab in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside is seeking an excellent candidate to study the extent and mechanism of joint control of mRNA expression by RBPs and microRNAs.  Our lab uses transcriptome-wide as well as targeted approaches in molecular biology and biochemistry to study post-transcriptional gene control.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, independent scientist with a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry or a related field, with prior experience in RNA biology.  Good communication and organizational skills are a must, and familiarity with transcriptome-wide techniques and bioinformatics are a big plus. UCR postdoctoral salary scales are more than one step above the NIH NRSA scale.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.  UCR is an EEO/AA/ADA/Vets Employer.

To Apply:  Applicants should send a cover letter with research interests, CV, and contact information for 3 references via email to karginov@ucr.edu.

The Haga-Yamanaka Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside is recruiting a postdoc. The position is immediately available. Our current research is focused on hormonal signaling in mammalian species. We employ multi-disciplinary approaches, including cell culture, reporter assays, histology, molecular biology, as well as in vivo physiological and behavioral studies, and mouse genetics, to understand molecular basis of hormone signaling and physiological consequences of the gain/loss of signaling in the brain and other tissues in vivo.

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Research Environment:

The Curras-Collazo Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking a talented, highly motivated candidate to fill a Department of Defense-funded postdoc position. Our research team is uniquely positioned to combine research methods and manipulation techniques allowing an interdisciplinary approach to address pathophysiology involving gut-brain interactions.

The postdoc hire will serve a key role in research studies focused on the metabolic, inflammatory and cognitive/mood impairments associated with Gulf War illness (GWI) in a mouse model. We employ multi-disciplinary approaches, including behavior, physiology, molecular biology and toxicology to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of GWI. The postdoctoral researcher will be trained in desired research skill, will collaborate with other core members and have opportunities for teaching and mentoring.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent in physiology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience or related discipline is required
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills
• Solid experience in mouse behavioral assays and Western blotting or immunohistochemistry, PCR arrays
• Candidates are expected to be highly self-motivated and have a strong desire to become an independent investigator
• Analytical skills with computer-assisted densitometry and statistics programs
• Ready to start immediately

What we offer:

• Salary competitive with NIH scale
• Excellent opportunities to advance your academic career
• Excellent training in technical and analytical skills
• Vibrant and dynamic research environment
• Collaborations with gut microbiology, gut-brain physiology and molecular biology labs at UC Riverside

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Several postdoctoral positions are available immediately for highly-motivated individuals interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying neural circuit function and development. The individuals will join one of multiple laboratories at the University of California, Riverside interested in 1) neuromodulation of perception and decision making, 2) brain circuit development, or 3) hormonal regulation of innate behavior.

Who you are:

·         A PhD or MD-PhD degree in neuroscience or related disciplines

·         Excellent communication skills

·         A demonstrated ability to work independently and learn new techniques

·         Candidates with less than 3 years of postdoctoral training are preferred

Who we are:

-     The Yang Lab: Our lab employs electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics and quantitative behavior approaches to understand the cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying neuromodulatory regulation of sensory processing and decision-making in mice. Solid experience in in vivo electrophysiology, or in vivocalcium imaging is required. Analytical skills with Matlab or Python is a plus. For more information, please visit https://www.hyanglab.com/positions. Send materials to: hongdian@ucr.edu. 

To Apply:  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and contact information for 3 references.  Positions are open until filled. 

Dr. Manuela Martins-Green, a professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join her research team to study mechanisms involved in biofilm development in chronic wounds.

Dr. Manuela Martins-Green and her junior colleagues have developed a model for chronic wound development (Dhal et al., 2014) that they have used to demonstrate that Oxidative Stress and the microbiome of the skin are critical for biofilm formation in the wound and for chronic wound development (Kim et al., 2019; 2020).  The recently funded studies will use this model to understand the molecular mechanisms by which Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is normally present in the skin as a commensal bacterium, becomes biofilm forming when in the chronic wound environment.  By understanding the molecular mechanisms of this change we might be able to determine how to reverse the change and how to abolish P. aeruginosa-induced biofilm in the wound.  The results obtained may lead to studies of proof-of-concept in humans with chronic wounds that could then lead to the development of new therapies for treatment of biofilms and potentially reverse chronicity.

Qualifications for this position: Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in cell and molecular biology and microbiology. Previous experience with microbiology techniques is required. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as the position requires accurate recording and notation of complex data as the basis for analysis and research. 

Strong communication skills (both written and spoken) are also required. Candidates should be able to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.

Salary: Candidates will be offered a competitive salary commensurate with their experience.

To Apply: Individuals interested in applying should send their curriculum vitae (CV), a description of their research experience, a statement of research interests, and a list of three references via email to: manuela.martins@ucr.edu.

Two postdoctoral positions are available in the zur Nieden lab at the University of California Riverside to study how microRNAs tune early skeletal development. We have previously identified a powerful microRNA that enhances osteogenesis in vitro and now aim to analyze its role and that of its direct target in vivo using knockout and knock-in mice and genetic manipulation of Xenopus embryos. Similarly, we are interested in identifying how this and other microRNAs act to induce skeletal birth defects when embryos are exposed to environmental toxicants in utero.

The laboratory uses a combination of cellular (human ESCs, iPSCs, neural crest cells), molecular and genetic tools to understand how these microRNAs tune early differentiation - primarily that of the neural crest - to lay the foundation for proper craniofacial osteogenesis. For an overview of this and other projects in the lab please see our recent publications and the lab’s web page http://zurniedenlab.wix.com/ucrzurniedenlab.

Applications are invited from outstanding applicants with interests in neural crest, mesodermal or skeletal development and/or with an interest in stem cell biology and toxicology. Applicants are expected to work closely with collaborators Dr. Martin Garcia-Castro (University of California Riverside) and Dr. Bruce Blumberg (University of California Irvine) and in a team together with Graduate and undergraduate students.

Applicants should have a Ph.D and less than four years of postdoctoral experience. Knowledge in mouse breeding and husbandry, human embryonic stem cell culture and next generation sequencing is desirable. To apply send a curriculum vitae, bibliography and a cover letter with a brief description of research experience and the names of 3 references (with phone numbers) via e-mail to nicole.zurnieden@ucr.edu.

The Santhakumar Lab (https://santhakumarlab.ucr.edu/) in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology at the University of California, Riverside is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral scholars with expertise in neurophysiology to fill 1-2 postdoc positions. The candidate(s) will participate in NIH-funded studies examining microcircuit and network physiology underlying hippocampal information processing and its alterations in epilepsy. Our group provides a vibrant research environment with multidisciplinary approaches including ex vivo patch-clamp physiology, opto/chemogenetics, multi-channel electrophysiology in vivo as well as large-scale network simulations (Yu et ai., Cerebral Cortex 2016; Korgaonkar et al., Annals of Neurology 2020; Afrasiabi et al., J. Neurosci 2022).

Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience or related disciplines with experience patch clamp and/or in vivo electrophysiology and a strong background in neurophysiology from channels and synapses to circuits. Experience with in vivo imaging, multi-modal data analysis and computational modeling would be an asset. Our lab emphasizes trainee professional development and the stable funding environment provides opportunities for establishing new techniques as needed to advance research. Majority of our trainees have been successful in securing competitive external fellowships. We are especially interested in candidates who are motivated to develop their careers as independent investigators.

UCR offers an excellent academic environment with a growing neuroscience research profile and opportunities for collaboration with a multidisciplinary group of faculty. Riverside offers an affordable lifestyle with proximity to large cities and all-year-round sunny Southern California weather.

Interested applicants should submit CV with publication list, statement of research interests and contact information for 2-3 references via email to vijayas@ucr.edu.

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Research Environment:

The Curras-Collazo Lab at the University of California Riverside is seeking a talented, highly motivated candidate to fill a Department of Defense-funded postdoc position. The postdoc hire will serve a key role in research studies focused on the metabolic, inflammatory and cognitive/mood impairments in a mouse model of Gulf War illness (GWI). We employ multi-disciplinary approaches, including behavior, physiology, molecular biology to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of GWI. The postdoctoral researcher will be trained in desired research skills, will collaborate with other core members and have opportunities for teaching and mentoring.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree or equivalent in physiology, biomedical sciences, neuroscience or related discipline is required
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills
• Solid experience in mouse behavioral assays and/or surgery and Western blotting or immunohistochemistry, PCR arrays
• Candidates are expected to be highly self-motivated and have a strong desire to become an independent investigator
• Analytical skills with computer-assisted densitometry and statistics programs
• Ready to start immediately

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF including a cover letter detailing your research experiences, interests and career goals, CV and contact information for 3 references to mcur@ucr.edu. Please indicate this title in the subject of your email “POST-DOC Position"

The Yang Lab at the University of California, Riverside is seeking talented, highly motivated candidates to fill 2 junior specialist positions. Our lab is uniquely positioned to combine state-of-the-art recording and manipulation techniques with computational modeling to address important questions in systems neuroscience.

Our current research is focused on the functions of subcortical neuromodulatory circuits. We employ multi-disciplinary approaches, including in vivo patch-clamp and multi-channel electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, quantitative animal behavior and computational modeling (e.g. Yang, Kwon, Severson, O’Connor, Nature Neuroscience 2016; Kwon, Yang, Minamisawa, O’Connor, Nature Neuroscience 2016; Yang, Shew, Roy, Plenz, Journal of Neuroscience 2012) to understand the cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying neuromodulatory regulation of sensory processing and decision-making in mice.

Position purpose

Under supervision, assist PI with research in the field of systems neuroscience.

Essential job functions

-Organize and keep laboratory mouse colony

-Assist with experiments for laboratory using a variety of behavioral, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches

-Prepare reagents, solutions and media

-Dissect mouse tissue and prepare it for histology

-Assist in data collection; keep records

-Assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment

Minimum requirements

-Bachelor’s degree

-Comfortable handling mice

-Experience of basic rodent behavior

-Knowledge of use of routine lab equipment

-College-level coursework including courses in the life sciences and/or demonstrated lab experience

Preferred qualifications

-Experience in histology

-Experience in electrophysiology or calcium imaging

-Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF including a cover letter, CV and transcript to hongdian@ucr.edu. For additional information, please visit www.hyanglab.com.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.

The Department of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology at the University of California invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Professional Researcher position to conduct applied research into Neurophysiology of Brain Injury and Epilepsy in the Santhakumar Lab.

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