Various research positions (Research Technician to Staff Scientist) are available to employ C. elegans to identify and study the function of genes that cause rare diseases in humans, as a component of the NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN). As part of a team effort with other researchers and clinicians, candidate disease gene-variants are identified, knocked into the worm ortholog by Cas9/CRISPR and phenotype assessed. The development of a follow-up independent research program from one or more of the cases is possible. The project is performed under the guidance of professors Tim Schedl & Stephen Pak, co-directors of the Washington University School of Medicine Undiagnosed Diseases Network C. elegans Model Organism Screening Center. For examples of publications from this project see:
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Huang et al. A dominant negative variant of RAB5B disrupts maturation of surfactant protein B and surfactant protein C. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2022;119(6):e2105228119. PMID: 35121658.
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Fielder et al. Functional analysis of a novel de novo variant in PPP5C associated with microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay. Mol Genet Metab. 2022;136(1):65-73. PMID: 35361529.
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Boulin et al., Functional analysis of a de novo variant in the neurodevelopment and generalized epilepsy disease gene NBEA. Mol Genet Metab. 2021;134(1-2):195-202. PMID: 34412939
Job title and salary are negotiable and based on the applicant’s experience. Experience in C. elegans, genetics, molecular, cellular, developmental or neuro-biology is advantageous, but not required. The desired candidate is a team player with a strong work ethic. International scientists and US citizens are equally eligible for these fully funded positions.
Washington University is a premier medical research institution, highly collaborative with strengths in model organism basic science and clinical research. St Louis is a diverse multi-cultural environment that is friendly, very affordable and has easy access to numerous indoor and outdoor activities.
For more information or to apply, email Stephen Pak (stephen.pak@wustl.edu) or Tim Schedl (ts@wustl.edu). To apply, send cover letter, a CV and contact information for three letters of reference.