Postdoctoral Fellow in RNA Biology

Multiple postdoctoral researcher positions are available for NIH-funded research in the lab of Dr. Yohei Kirino at Computational Medicine Center (CMC)/Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). Overall research goal of the Kirino lab is to understand the biogenesis mechanism and molecular function of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and use the knowledge for development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic applications in diseases. By taking advantage of RNA biology/biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, and computational biology, the Kirino lab is particularly focused on transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived ncRNAs, cyclic phosphate-containing RNAs (cP-RNAs), and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which play crucial roles in various biological processes and diseases (https://research.jefferson.edu/labs/researcher/kirino-laboratory.html).

Highly-motivated individuals with strong background in RNA biology and/or molecular/cell biology are awaited. Experience on bioinformatics analysis or animal research is advantageous but not essential. Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree, a productive track record, and a high writing and communication skills. The successful applicant will have a unique opportunity to work in close collaboration within CMC, the Department, and with other research groups in TJU, UPENN, and other institutions.

Applicants should send 1) a cover letter with a description of past research experience and future research/career goals, 2) CV, and 3) contact information of 3 references to Dr. Yohei Kirino at Yohei.Kirino@jefferson.edu.

Contact information:

Yohei Kirino, Ph.D.
Computational Medicine Center
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Locust Street, Jefferson Alumni Hall 222
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Email: Yohei.Kirino@jefferson.edu

Selected recent publications:

Shigematsu, M., et al. “RNase κ promotes robust piRNA production by generating 2',3'-cyclic phosphate-containing precursors.” Nature Communications, 12 (1): 4498, 2021. [Pubmed]

Pawar, K., et al. “Infection-induced 5'-half molecules of tRNA^HisGUG activate Toll-like receptor 7.” PLoS Biology, 18 (12): e3000982, 2020. [Pubmed]

Shigematsu, M., et al. “Genome-wide identification of short 2',3'-cyclic phosphate-containing RNAs and their regulation in aging.” PLoS Genetics, 15 (11): e1008469, 2019. [Pubmed]

Honda, S., et al. “The biogenesis pathway of tRNA-derived piRNAs in Bombyx germ cells.” Nucleic Acids Research, 45: 9108-9120, 2017. [Pubmed]

Shigematsu, M., et al. “YAMAT-seq: an efficient method for high-throughput sequencing of mature tRNAs.” Nucleic Acids Research, 45: e70, 2017. [Pubmed]

Honda, S., et al. “Selective amplification and sequencing of cyclic phosphate-containing RNAs by the cP-RNA-seq method.” Nature Protocols, 11: 476-489, 2016. [Pubmed]

Honda, S., et al. “Sex hormone-dependent tRNA halves enhance cell proliferation in breast and prostate cancers.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 112: E3816-E3825, 2015. (Featured in “In This Issue”) [Pubmed]