Postdoctoral Associate- RNA Biology, Stem Cell Fate, and Cancer

Summary

The Di Stefano Laboratory in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position to investigate post-transcriptional mechanisms governing cell fate specification, cell plasticity, and oncogenesis.

Research Focus

The research program integrates state-of-the-art genomic and molecular approaches that includes ribosome profiling, CLIP-seq, single-cell multiomics, CUT&Tag, and long-read sequencing—to elucidate gene regulatory networks at single-cell resolution and systems-wide scales. Current projects examine how RNA-binding proteins, biomolecular condensates, and RNA modifications control stem cell fate decisions and cancer progression.

Recent Publications

• Pessina et al., Nature Biotechnology (2025) – RNA condensate dynamics in developmental cell fate transitions
• Kodali et al., Nature Reviews Immunology (2025) – Biomolecular condensates in immune cell specification
• Kodali et al., Nature Cell Biology (2024) – Phase separation in leukemogenesis
• Levin Ferreyra et al., EMBO Reports (2025) – Post-transcriptional control of pluripotency
• Di Stefano et al., Cell Stem Cell (2019); Nature Cell Biology (2016); Nature (2014) – Chromatin regulation of cell identity

Training Environment

The laboratory emphasizes scientific independence and experimental rigor. Postdoctoral Associates receive dedicated support in developing independent research programs, acquiring advanced technical skills, and building scientific leadership capabilities. Laboratory trainees have consistently published in high-impact journals and successfully transitioned to faculty positions and leadership roles in academia and biotechnology.

Baylor College of Medicine offers an outstanding biomedical research environment within the Texas Medical Center, providing access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge core resources, competitive NIH-level stipends, and comprehensive benefits.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Dr. Bruno Di Stefano at [email protected]. Informal inquiries are welcome. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Duties

• Designs and executes independent research projects investigating RNA regulatory mechanisms in stem cell biology or cancer models.
• Develops and implements high-throughput sequencing approaches and molecular biology techniques.
• Collaborates with laboratory members, computational biologists, and clinical investigators.
• Communicates findings through manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and grant applications.
• Mentors graduate students and research assistants.
• Contributes to a collegial and intellectually stimulating laboratory culture.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in RNA biology, gene regulation, or stem cell biology
• Hands-on expertise with genomics technologies (RNA-seq, CLIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell sequencing)
• Track record of scientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications or preprints
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative projects
• Proficiency in ribosome profiling, RNA splicing analysis, or epitranscriptomics
• Experience with pluripotent stem cells, organoid systems, hematopoietic models, or cancer cell lines
• Computational skills for genomic data analysis