Research Fellow (Cancer Science Institute)

Dr ZHOU Yilong's lab at Cancer Science Institute is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Fellow to the team with research focusing on RNA flux dynamics, stress responses, and RNA-related disease mechanisms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or cell biology, and will be passionate about understanding the cellular responses to damaged RNA species under stress and disease conditions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of RNA biology, with a particular focus on novel RNA condensates, immune responses to viral RNA, and cellular stress mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct Research on RNA Dynamics

• Investigate RNA-protein interactions, phase separation, and RNA modifications in the context of stress and disease.
• Explore the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and function of RNA condensates, particularly DHX9 stress granules (SGs).
• Study how cells respond to damaged RNA species, including damaged intron RNA and viral RNA, and their role in cellular stress responses.

Experimental Design and Data Analysis

• Design and execute experiments using advanced techniques such as deep sequencing, mass spectrometry, iCLIP, phase separation assays, and the FANCI method.
• Analyze experimental data and integrate results into the broader context of RNA biology and disease mechanisms.

Collaborative Research

• Collaborate with other researchers in the lab to investigate the role of key regulators such as CSNK1E and PLCB2 in immune responses to viral RNA.
• Work with cell and animal models to elucidate the physiological roles of these regulators and their molecular mechanisms.

Publication and Dissemination

• Prepare and contribute to the writing of research papers for high-impact journals.
• Present research findings at conferences, lab meetings, and other scientific forums.

Mentorship and Training

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior lab members, including PhD students and technical staff.
• Assist in the training of new lab members on experimental techniques and methodologies.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience with bioinformatics tools for RNA sequencing data analysis.
• Knowledge of immune responses to viral RNA and cellular stress pathways.
• Previous research experience in studying RNA-related disease mechanisms or therapeutic targets.
• Proficiency in data visualization and statistical analysis.

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Strong experience in RNA biology, including RNA-protein interactions, RNA modifications, and splicing.
• Familiarity with techniques such as RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, iCLIP, phase separation assays, and other molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience in handling cell and animal models for studying RNA-related stress responses and disease mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present research findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.