Postdoctoral Associate Position in Epithelial Stem Cell-based Repair in in the Alveolar Region of the Lung, Yale, USA

The Chioccioli lab in the department of Genetics and Comparative Medicine at Yale School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to embark on research focused on understanding the mechanisms that govern tissue regeneration in the alveolar region of the lung. 

We combine powerful genome-wide ‘omics approaches, genetic mouse models, in vivo and ex vivo live imaging, advanced microscopy and human lung slice culture to uncover fundamental mechanisms of epithelial stem cell-based repair in the lung. In our latest work, we developed longitudinal timelapse imaging of intact lung tissue in vivo and ex vivo and discovered alveolar stem cell migration between alveoli as a new cellular mechanism required for repair (Chioccioli et al., 2022, BioRxiv). We now seek to explore how different signals and cell-cell interactions modulate this and other repair mechanisms, and how these go awry in disease. 

Available Projects 

We have multiple NIH grants for suite of projects that together aim to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive alveolar epithelial cell repair in the live mouse. Within this, multiple related sub-projects and combinations thereof are available including: 

1. characterizing the emergence of a transient progenitor population derived from alveolar stem cells following injury using precision cut lung slice culture and live timelapse imaging of intact lung tissue 
2. combined scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq to define the cell trajectories and gene regulatory networks that drive stem cell transitions in the in vivo mouse lung following injury 
3. multiphoton live imaging via a permanent lung window in the mouse to uncover dynamic behavior of individual alveolar stem cells over 2 – 4 weeks following injury 
4. in vivo single cell ablation to uncover fundamental principles of alveolar stem cell-niche interactions and how different cells in the niche are important for homeostasis and repair 
5. a microfluidics-based approach to uncover key signaling pathways and other mechanisms that modulate alveolar stem cell migration 

Training & Responsibilities 

The Chioccioli lab truly values the opportunity to train and mentor others. We also place equity, fairness and respect for each other at the highest level of importance. Weekly lab meetings, one-on-one meetings, professional growth and career mentorship, opportunities to present, opportunities to write manuscripts, 

opportunities to attend conferences and additional training and networking opportunities are all available. More broadly, the postdoctoral scientist will become part of the vibrant scientific communities of the Department of Genetics and the Department of Comparative Medicine, as well as the community of postdoctoral scientists at Yale School of Medicine and Yale University. 

The post doctorate will have the opportunity to learn unique cutting-edge imaging technologies (intravital and ex-vivo live imaging in moue lung), ex vivo mouse and human tissue platforms, cutting-edge single cell multi-omics approaches (ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq), microfluidics-based approaches and single cell laser ablation in vivo and multiple mouse models for lung injury (bleomycin and virus) along with standard approaches in mouse genetics, molecular biology, stem cell biology and cell biology. The candidate will also assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in performing research, contributing to daily laboratory operations, analyzing data, preparing manuscripts and presentations and assisting in the preparation of figures and text for grant submissions. Some administrative responsibilities related to laboratory safety, ordering supplies, performing basic laboratory and equipment maintenance and maintaining databases are also required in this role. 

Mentoring and Professional Development 

• Mentorship and career development are a priority in the lab. 
• Trainees will have regular meetings with the PI (Mau Chioccioli) to discuss the project, the relevant scientific background and career goals. 
• The postdoctoral scientist will develop laboratory technical skills as well as data presentation, visualization, and scientific writing and presentation, with the expectation that the candidate will gain independence and autonomy. 
• The postdoctoral scientist will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-research under the PI supervision. 
• The postdoctoral scientist will be able to attend the Genetics and CMED seminars, retreats, gatherings and be part of a vibrant research community. 
• Mentoring will be tailored to individual needs based on the successful applicant’s long-term career goals. 

Education & qualifications 

Applicants should have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in a relevant field such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or related areas. 

Key Experience and Competencies 

• Hands-on experience with mouse genetic models. 
• Interest in the lung epithelial stem cell field. 
• Essential mammalian cellular/molecular biology techniques. 
• Proficient in the application of both 2P and confocal is considered a plus.
• Quantitative image processing and analysis, combining tools such as ImageJ, IMARIS 
• Skilled in the use of programming languages including R and Matlab. 
• Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences. 
• The candidate should display a high level of personal initiative and be able to organize their time effectively to tackle both short- and long-term goals. 
• The candidate should be able to work responsibly with others and have excellent listening skills and strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to keep accurate and informative lab notebooks and create and deliver in-person presentations. 

Application Instructions 

Interested candidates should email Maurizio Chioccioli (maurizio.chioccioli@yale.edu) a cover letter that briefly describes their personal motivation for pursuing the opportunity, career goals as well as their research/scientific background, their CV, and at least the contact information of 2-3 referees familiar with your experience and interests. 

At the Mau Chioccioli lab, diversity, equity and inclusion are our commitment and passion. For further information and inquiries, please contact Dr. Maurizio Chioccioli