Postdoctoral fellow

Dr. Kiho Lee’s lab within the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri is seeking a postdoctoral fellow who is interested in cellular biology and genetic engineering in pigs and poultry. This position will work closely with research scientists within the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) to develop and phenotype primary and/or immortalized cell cultures derived from various tissues of pigs and poultry. These cultures will be used for genetic engineering to understand basic mechanisms for improving a variety of production traits (e.g. disease resistance, muscle quality, nutrient production and metabolism) in pigs and poultry. In addition, this position will work on strategies to reduce off-targeting events that can be a critical side effect of gene editing systems.

The postdoctoral candidate should be self-motivated, collaborative, and highly organized to maintain tissue cultures from different species. The individual will be involved in all aspects of the lab activities, including collecting tissue and blood samples, conducting experiments, reviewing literature, analyzing data, preparing manuscripts, and participating in conferences. The position can start immediately or a start date can be negotiated.

Position responsibilities include:
- Handling and tissue collection of pigs and poultry
- Establishment of 2D cell cultures and potentially organoids
- Gene editing by lipofection, electroporation, or nucleofection
- Cellular and molecular biology techniques: immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, quantitative PCR, sequencing library preparation, western blot, FACS
- Data analysis
- Presentation of results at conferences
- Manuscript preparation
- Training incoming students and other trainees

Required Qualifications:
- PhD in biological sciences, animal sciences, biotechnology, or genetics
- Prior experience with 2D cell culture and cellular and molecular biology techniques
- Willing to handle and work with animal models
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills

Required Application Materials (send to kiholee@missouri.edu):
- CV
- Cover letter
- Contact information of three references