Postdoctoral Scientist - Mendell Lab

About the role

Primary Work Address: 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, TX, 75390-9050

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The Mendell Lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a driven and passionate Postdoctoral Associate to join our group. We are a diverse group of collaborative scientists investigating broad questions in RNA biology.

In particular, we are interested in understanding how genes are regulated post-transcriptionally, how various classes of noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and tRNAs participate in these regulatory pathways, and how these pathways go awry in human disease.

We use a variety of approaches and model systems to address these questions including high-throughput screens, animal modeling, and mechanistic studies including structural biology. We are seeking additional laboratory members who share our passion for RNA biology and are enthusiastic to join our tight-knit team.

There are several available projects in the lab, and it is expected that postdoctoral associates will bring their own ideas and expertise to advance ongoing areas of research while developing an independent research program. Areas of research in the Mendell lab that we are excited about include:

• Identification of new functions for noncoding RNAs.
• Regulation of microRNA activity and impact on health and disease.
• Mechanistic and structural dissection of noncoding RNA functions.
• Post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA translation and stability.

Please learn more about our group at our lab website, follow us on X or Bluesky, and read our papers at the links below:

• Lab website: X: @Mendell_lab
• Bluesky: @mendell-lab.bsky.social
• Publications: Application Instructions

Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application:

• A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and your expertise in the relevant field(s).
• Your curriculum vitae including a list of publications with brief (2-3 sentences) descriptions of your contributions to the published work.
• Names and contact information for at least 3 references.

What we provide

• Opportunity to work in an exciting, cutting-edge, and supportive research environment.
• Broad training in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, high-throughput methodologies, and animal modeling.
• Training in scientific writing and communication.
• Mentorship tailored to your scientific and professional goals.
• The opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Opportunities for professional and educational development and growth, including assistance with preparing postdoctoral fellowships, job applications, and interviews.
• The opportunity to present original work at scientific meetings.
• Access to world-class core facilities for animal modeling, structural biology, high throughput sequencing and screening, metabolomics, and many more.
• Access to the vibrant and collaborative research environment at UT Southwestern.
• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What you'll do

• Develop independent research projects based on your interests, expertise, and goals, including the opportunity to establish a research program that will form the basis for your own independent research laboratory upon completion of postdoctoral training.
• Write scientific manuscripts describing research findings.
• Attend national and international meetings to present research findings, learn about the latest advances in the field, and develop a scientific network.
• Apply for fellowships and grants.
• Mentor junior scientists.

What you bring

• Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, structural biology, developmental biology, or cancer biology.
• Less than two years of prior postdoctoral research experience.
• Resilient and positive approach to scientific research.
• Willingness to fully participate in lab and departmental activities, to positively engage with other team members and promote their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks), mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to an inclusive and productive research environment.
• Strong commitment to research integrity.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Please Note

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to

Hiring Pay Range $70,000.00 - $80,500.00

Pay Type: Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.