A postdoctoral position is available immediately in Jianfu (Jeff) Chen's laboratory at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. We are interested in craniofacial neuroscience, including the skull-brain interaction, craniofacial stem cells and regenerative medicine, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) degeneration and pain. We use genetically modified mice and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)/brain organoids to model neurological and craniofacial disorders followed by mechanistic studies. We aim using the mechanistic studies to develop therapeutic approaches for treating craniofacial and neurological diseases. 

CCMB is located on the Health Sciences Campus of USC, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative and interactive research environment. Postdocs will participate in weekly seminars with 100+ people who are interested in developmental biology and stem cells in tissue regeneration. There are ample cross-training opportunities in areas such as bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Postdocs will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts nationally and internationally.

The candidate must have a PhD and be experienced with molecular, neuroscience, or developmental biology. Our research projects are supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. For details, please visit https://chenlab.usc.edu/

Some of our recent publications:

1. Ma L., Chang Q, Pei F, Liu MM, Zhang W, Hong YK, Chai, Y, Chen, JF. (2023) Skull progenitor cell-driven meningeal lymphatic restoration improves neurocognitive functions in craniosynostosis. Cell Stem Cell, PMID: 37863055.

2. Jariyasakulroj S., Zhang W., Bai J., Zhang MJ., Lu ZP., Chen, JF. (2023) Ribosome biogenesis controls cranial suture MSC fate via the complement pathway in mouse and human iPSC models. Stem Cell Reports (accepted).

3. Ma L., Wang F., Li YP., Wang J, Chang Q., Du YN., Sadan J., Zhao Z., Fan GP., Yao B., Chen, JF. (2023) Brain methylome remodeling selectively regulates neuronal activity genes linking to emotional behaviors in mice exposed to maternal immune activation. Nature Communications (accepted). 

4. Yu, M., Ma, L., Yuan, Y., Ye, X., Montagne, A., He, J., Ho, T. V., Wu, Y., Zhao, Z., Maria, N.S., Jacobs, R., Urata, M., Wang, H., Zlokovic, B.V., Chen, J., Chai, Y. (2021) Cranial suture regeneration mitigates skull and neurocognitive defects in craniosynostosis. Cell, 184, 243-256. PMID33417861.

Work Location:

• One location. In person.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Salary: From $64,480.00. per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

COVID-19 considerations:

• All staff and faculty are required to wear face masks and keep a 6ft. distance.

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Molecular Biology: 1 year (Preferred)
• Scientific research: 1 year (Preferred)
   

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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