What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doctoral Research Fellow position at University of Massachusetts Boston?
Job no: 528458
Position Type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Boston
Department: Biology
Pay Grade: No Pay Grade
Date opened: 19 Sep 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Position Type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Boston
Department: Biology
Pay Grade: No Pay Grade
Date opened: 19 Sep 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
General Summary:
12-month benefitted appointment following NIH NRSA stipend guidelines (i.e. $63,000/yr for 0 years' experience with yearly pay raises commensurate with experience) located in person at the University of Massachusetts Boston Integrated Sciences Complex (100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA, 02125). This postdoctoral appointment is eligible for renewal pending availability of NIH funds (February 1st Annually).
The Kelliher lab at UMass Boston is seeking a postdoctoral colleague to join our community, recently awarded a 5-year MIRA grant from NIGMS (R35 GM157067) to study how circadian rhythms interact with nutrients in the environment and cellular metabolism. We utilize the fungal model system Neurospora as well as mammalian cell culture. We employ genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and bioinformatics to study mechanisms of circadian compensation, clock transcriptional networks, and cross-talk between the circadian oscillator and metabolism.
Current interests focus on determining molecular mechanisms of circadian nutritional compensation using biochemistry and genetics and on identifying transcriptional networks of circadian systems in fungal and animal cells using omics tools and bioinformatics. Each new project is designed to incorporate 'omics data generation (Illumina RNA-Seq, PacBio/ONT long read-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, mass spec, phospho-proteomics, etc.), and trainees have the unique opportunity to learn mentored computational biology skills to analyze their own datasets generated at the bench.
Examples of Duties:
Conduct Independent and Collaborative Research
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments to investigate molecular mechanisms of circadian nutritional compensation in fungal and mammalian systems.
- Develop and optimize experimental protocols in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to support project aims.
Generate and Analyze 'Omics Data
- Perform high-throughput data generation including Illumina RNA-Seq, PacBio/ONT long-read sequencing, ChiP-Seq, ATAC-Seq, mass spectrometry, and phospho-proteomics.
- Apply and expand computational biology and bioinformatics skills to analyze self-generated
Advance Project Goals in Line with NIH MIRA Grant Objectives
- Integrate experimental and computational approaches to characterize transcriptional networks and cross-talk between circadian oscillators and metabolism.
- Contribute to identifying novel molecular pathways regulating circadian systems.
Maintain Accurate and Compliant Research Records
- Document all experimental procedures, results, and analyses in accordance with NIH and UMass Boston research compliance standards.
- Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and ethical conduct of research.
Disseminate Research Findings
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research progress and findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international conferences.
Collaborate and Contribute to the Lab Community
- Engage in regular discussions with the PI and colleagues to troubleshoot experiments and share insights.
- Provide mentorship, training, and technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
Professional Development
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and training opportunities to advance technical, analytical, and grant-writing skills.
- Develop an independent research trajectory aligned with long-term career goals.
Support Grant and Progress Reporting
- Assist the PI in preparing NIH annual progress reports and related documentation.
- Contribute preliminary data and figures to support future grant applications.
Qualifications:
Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, or a related field, earned within the past four (4) years.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or biochemistry.
- Strong molecular biology skills; experience managing one or more projects utilizing mammalian tissue culture preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently on research projects and tailor project goals to align with personal career development objectives.
- Commitment to mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students, particularly those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM.
- Interest in developing an academic research program or establishing a professional network within the Cambridge/Boston biotechnology community.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for a multidisciplinary research environment.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
This is a non-union exempt position.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.
Applications close: 10 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Salary : $63,000
