Postdoctoral Fellow in RNA Biology and Zebrafish Development

Posted on: March 30, 2026

Beaudoin Lab | Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences | UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut

The Beaudoin Laboratory at UConn Health is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team and lead projects investigating the relationship between RNA structure and function during zebrafish development. Our lab studies how RNA structure shapes post-transcriptional gene regulation in vertebrate systems, with particular interests in RNA G-quadruplexes, translation control, RNA helicases, and other RNA-binding factors. We combine zebrafish developmental biology, RNA molecular biology, genomics, genome engineering, and computational approaches to uncover how RNA structural elements influence gene expression and developmental outcomes. For more information about the Beaudoin lab, please visit beaudoinlab.org.

This position is supported by the Tao Rising Stars Award and offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious scientist to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative and intellectually engaged environment. The successful candidate will help drive projects focused on identifying and characterizing regulatory RNA structures in vivo, defining their molecular mechanisms, and determining how they influence embryonic gene expression and vertebrate development.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will:

• Design and execute independent research projects on RNA structure and post-transcriptional regulation during zebrafish development
• Apply and/or develop molecular, genomic, and computational approaches to study RNA structure-function relationships in vivo
• Generate, analyze, and interpret high-throughput datasets related to gene expression, translation, and RNA structure
• Draw rigorous conclusions from experimental results and propose logical next steps
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and grant-related activities
• Participate actively in lab meetings, scientific discussions, and brainstorming
• Work collaboratively with other lab members and contribute to a positive, team-oriented research environment
  
  

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, developmental biology, RNA biology, computational biology, or a closely related field
• Strong interest in RNA biology, post-transcriptional gene regulation, and vertebrate development
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, carry out research, analyze data, and communicate conclusions
• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Competitive candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• RNA structure biology or RNA structure probing
• RNA G-quadruplexes
• Zebrafish embryology, genetics, microinjection, or genome engineering
• Genomics and high-throughput approaches to study gene expression, such as RNA-seq, Ribo-seq, massively parallel reporter assays, or related methods
• Computational analysis of large genomic datasets, including proficiency in R, Python, or similar tools
• RNA-binding proteins, RNA helicases, or related mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation
  
  

Candidates with a combination of experimental and computational expertise are especially encouraged to apply. This profile is well aligned with the Beaudoin lab’s interdisciplinary research program in RNA structure, translation regulation, and genome-wide analysis.

Salary And Benefits

Salary begins at $63,500 , with higher compensation depending on the candidate’s experience and expertise. The position includes paid benefits. UConn Health postdoctoral fellows are employees and, according to UConn Health’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, receive benefits that include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and sick leave.

Environment

UConn Health provides a collegial and stimulating postdoctoral environment with strong research infrastructure and access to an active intellectual community. The Beaudoin lab is part of the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut, where trainees benefit from a multidisciplinary research setting and close interactions across genetics, genomics, RNA biology, and developmental biology.

Application Instructions

Applicants Should Submit

• A cover letter describing their research interest and relevant experience
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references
  
  

Please combine all application materials into a single PDF and email it to jdbeaudoin@uchc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UConn is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during the application and hiring process.

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