Postdoctoral Research in Microbial RNA Biology at New York University

The laboratory of Dr. Joel Belasco at New York University School of Medicine (www.belascolab.org) is

seeking a highly motivated individual for postdoctoral research on post-transcriptional gene regulation at

the intersection of RNA biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. The goal of this research will be to

elucidate the molecular mechanisms that govern mRNA lifetimes in bacterial cells. This is a full-time

position supported by a five-year NIH grant.

These studies are prompted by our recent discovery of two novel regulatory phenomena: (i) the presence

of noncanonical nucleoside tetraphosphate (Np4) caps on bacterial transcripts during disulfide stress (1-3)

and (ii) the linear scanning mechanism by which the endonuclease RNase E locates cleavage sites in

mRNAs as a prelude to initiating their degradation (4, 5). Each of these unexpected findings has important

consequences for the control of gene expression and has been implicated in bacterial pathogenesis and

stress responses. Our goal is to achieve a deep mechanistic understanding of these key cellular processes

and their impact on gene regulation by a multidisciplinary approach comprising a combination of in vivo

and in vitro strategies that encompass a variety of genetic, biochemical, and biophysical methods.

The Belasco laboratory is located in New York City. We value diligence, ingenuity, initiative, collegiality,

integrity, and diversity. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree or equivalent or be nearing the date of

their thesis defense. Strong analytical and oral communication skills and an ability to work both

independently and as a cooperative member of a team are required. Accomplished candidates with

expertise in various aspects of molecular biology will be considered; those with a background in RNA

biology or biochemistry are especially encouraged to apply. A competitive salary and excellent benefits

package are available. Previous postdocs in the Belasco lab have successfully continued on to independent

careers in academia and industry.

Please send your CV, a list of publications, the names and e-mail addresses of three references, and a

cover letter describing your background and professional goals to Dr. Joel G. Belasco

(joel.belasco@med.nyu.edu), using “Postdoctoral research” on the e-mail subject line.