Postdoctoral Scholar

Department Overview

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available immediately in the laboratories of Dr. Brian J. O’Roak in the Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics (MMG). The focus of the position is on applying developmental neuroscience, genomic, and/or physiological techniques to novel models of mutations in key autism risk genes that function as transcription factors. Analyses will take place at multiple biologic levels including, molecular, cellular, synaptic, circuit, and (when relevant) behavioral studies. The candidate may utilize human in vitro models that leverage inducted pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, in vivo rodent models, or a combination of both.

Highlights of Dr. O’Roak’s past research successes include: pioneering trio-based exome sequencing in simplex autism and developing new technologies for rapid and economical targeted resequencing and variant function interrogation. Over the past decade, the lab has moved to developing key genetic resources in both iPS cells and rodents to model the impact of diverse mutations on transcription factor function (for example see Co et al., 2022). OHSU is a highly collaborative environment and fellows will have the opportunity to interact with a large and vibrant neuroscience community and clinical research programs focused on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

For the larger project, we have formed key collaborations within MMG and the Vollum Institute labs. Our outstanding research team includes labs with complementary expertise in genomics (O’Roak, Adey, Schaffer, MMG), genetic mouse models (Wright, Jackman, Vollum), stem cell models of neurodevelopmental disorders (Schaffer, O’Roak), single-cell technologies (Adey, O’Roak), and electrophysiology and mouse behavior (Jackman). While Dr. O’Roak will be the primary mentor for this position, there is the opportunity for co-mentorship with one of these other labs, depending on the candidate’s interests. We anticipate five years of dedicated funding for this position and many of the needed genetic models have already been generated. 

Function/Duties of Position

• Participate in lab work and research projects as assigned.
• Develop innovative research projects and tools.
• Prepare results for publications, presentations, database, and grant submissions.
• Attend and present technical status reports at group meetings.
• Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in neuroscience, cell/molecular biology, genetics or related field.
• A strong interest in developmental neuroscience.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and learn new techniques quickly.
• Candidates must be well organized, self-motivated and dependable.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to plan, document, analyze and report data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experiences include, characterizing rodent models, iPS cell work, neuronal culture, analyzing –omics datasets, and expertise in microscopy.

Additional Details

Computer & laboratory bench work. Work with human cell lines. Work flexibility depending on experiment requirements.

Why apply to OHSU?