Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Assistant Professor in the Macrophage Metabolism Laboratory of Dr. Tiffany Horng

ShanghaiTech University

Job Description:

The Macrophage Metabolism Laboratory of Dr. Tiffany Horng has recently moved from Harvard. T.H. Chan School of Public Health to open a new laboratory at the School of Life Science and Technology (SLST) at the ShanghaiTech University in Shanghai, China. We are looking for ambitious and highly driven Postdoc Fellows or Research Assistant Professors to work with Dr. Horng to elucidate mechanisms by which cellular metabolism supports macrophage biology in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological contexts. The research will be based in the modern open lab space in the SLST in ShanghaiTech University, situated in the heart of Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in the Pudong Science District in Shanghai. Very competitive salary and benefits will be provided for this position.

The lab’s research is in the burgeoning field of immunometabolism. Drawing on our extensive expertise in studying macrophage biology and metabolism, we seek to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which metabolism is coordinated with signal transduction, transcription, and gene regulation in controlling macrophage activation by immune signals and signals of infection. Towards this end, the lab employs a combination of tissue culture models, molecular biology, metabolomics, genetics, biochemistry, and mouse models. 

In our studies, we have discovered that the AKT-mTOR pathway, a central metabolic pathway, integrates metabolic signals to control of macrophage activation, especially energetically demanding aspects of macrophage activation. The Akt-mTOR pathway controls production of Ac-CoA, the metabolic substrate for histone acetylation, to regulate histone acetylation and expression of inducible genes during macrophage activation. In contrast, aberrant activity of the Akt-mTOR pathway leads to inappropriate gene induction and macrophage activation. In ongoing studies, we have been studying how mitochondrial metabolism impinges on chromatin to regulate gene induction and macrophage activation.

For more information about the lab’s research, please see: http://slst.shanghaitech.edu.cn/2018/1129/c302a36493/page.htm.

For representative publications, please see: Langston et al, Nat Imm 2019 (PMID 31384058); Jung et al, Nat Cell Biol 2019 (MPID30602764); Covarrubias et al, eLIFE 2016 (PMID 26894960); Byles et al, Nat Comm 2013 (PMID 24280772), and Jung et al, Frontiers in Immunology 2017 (PMID 28197151). Specific projects for the candidate will be determined through discussions with Dr. Horng, depending on his/her skills and experience as well as the availability and timeliness of the projects.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record and will demonstrate excellent inter-personal, organizational and time management skills and excellent English communication skills. He/she must have a strong passion for science and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Applications from adventurous foreign individuals are also highly encouraged.

A detailed job description and instructions for the application process are described below. Any informal enquiries regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Horng via e-mail: tsyhorng@shanghaitech.edu.cn. 

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will carry out his/her own research projects, under the guidance of Dr. Horng, with the goal of publication in international peer-reviewed journals. In addition, he/she is expected to present the work at internal and national and international seminars and conferences, and to contribute to the preparation of applications for funding. He/she will also assist Dr. Horng with the supervision of students and/or junior research staff working in support of the projects, as well as with the general organization and maintenance of the lab. Dr. Horng guarantees a working environment that will help the Postdoctoral Fellow and/or Research Assistant Professor to expand his or her knowledge in experimental research, interact with professional colleagues from around the world, and advance his/her career.

Requirements

Education & qualifications

• A PhD or an equivalent degree in a biomedical science from an accredited institution.
• Candidates applying for the Research Assistant Professor position must have at least 4 years of postdoctoral research experience, and multiple high-quality first author publications.

Scientific knowledge and skills (essential)

• Basic knowledge in molecular cell biology.
• Logical thinking and critical thinking.
• Publication in international peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Experience and basic skills in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, mammalian tissue culture, and working with mice, as reflected in the publication record.

Specialised knowledge & skills (desirable)

• Knowledge of immunology and/or metabolism is highly preferred.
• Experience and basic skills in working with macrophages, immunological techniques, and/or metabolic assays are highly desirable.

Interpersonal & communication skills (essential)

• Ability and willingness to present and discuss the work and research topics clearly in written and spoken English and Chinese with the supervisor and academic co-workers.
• Ability to cooperate with and support colleagues and to maintain cohesive and collaborative relationships.

Relevant experience & skills (desirable)

• Experience in presenting at international conferences
• Experience in supervising students or junior colleagues
• Experience in communicating and collaborating with scientists in relevant or different disciplines

Application process:

Qualified applicants should provide the following items in English:

1. Cover Letter describing research experience and career plans
2. Curriculum Vitae including academic background and work experience
3. List of publications and up to 3 representative publications as PDFs
4. Contact details of three referees, one of which should include most recent supervisor. References will be requested after the initial selection.

Qualified applicants interested in this position should submit the above documents directly to Dr. Horng via email: tsyhorng@shanghaitech.edu.cn 

Simultaneously, applicants should complete the online application form using the Shanghai University of Science and Technology Talent Recruitment System (htpp://jobs.shanghaitech.edu.cn/) following the instructions.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed by Dr. Horng.

The selection process will continue until the position is filled.