What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher position at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine?
Postdoctoral Researcher - Developmental Cell Biology
The Piacentino Lab in the Department of Cell Biology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate fundamental mechanisms of cell migration and invasion. This fully funded position is supported by a new project examining how dynamic membrane-lipid composition shapes invasive cell behaviors during development and disease.
Our lab is a developmental cell biology group that uses neural crest cells and embryonic models to uncover fundamental principles of cellular behavior in a dynamic in vivo context. Our work spans membrane-lipid regulation of cell migration, invasion, cell-state transitions, and signaling, with the goal of understanding how developmental mechanisms inform disease.
The successful candidate will lead a project investigating how membrane-lipid composition contributes to invasive cell behavior across developmental and disease contexts. The work will combine chick embryology, cell culture and stem-cell-derived neural crest models, live microscopy, quantitative image analysis, lipidomics, spatial mass-spectrometry imaging, and genetic or pharmacologic perturbations. While the position is anchored in an established, funded research program, the fellow will have scope to shape the questions they pursue and develop complementary directions at the intersection of their interests and the lab’s broader scientific goals. This position is ideal for a scientist excited by fundamental developmental questions and interested in using complementary disease models to evaluate their generality.
We welcome applicants with training in developmental biology, cell biology, cancer biology, or related fields. Experience with lipidomic or metabolomic analysis, mass-spectrometry imaging, and/or stem-cell differentiation is especially valued; experience with embryology, cell migration or morphogenesis, mammalian cell culture, live imaging, image analysis, or genetic perturbation is also welcome. We seek a thoughtful and collaborative scientist with a demonstrated foundation in rigorous experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, who is ready to build on these strengths through increasingly independent research. The fellow will lead a research project with close mentorship and opportunities to deepen their expertise, shape an independent research direction, and gain mentoring experience within an inclusive, supportive, and engaging lab environment.
Requirements
· PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in developmental biology, cell biology, cancer biology, or a related field, completed or anticipated by the position start date.
· Evidence of rigorous research experience and the ability to design, complete, analyze, and communicate scientific studies.
· Strong written and oral communication skills, with a publication and presentation record appropriate to career stage.
· Demonstrated ability and motivation to drive a research project forward with increasing independence, sound judgment, and thoughtful planning.
· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to maintaining a respectful and engaging lab culture.
To apply, please email Dr. Michael Piacentino (michaelpiacentino [at] jhmi [dot] edu) with: 1) A curriculum vitae, 2) a cover letter describing your research experience, scientific interests, and interest in the position, and 3) contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information about the laboratory, please visit https://piacentinolab.com/.