Postdoctoral Research Associate-Coral Cell and Molecular Biology - REQID0002557

Coral reefs face unprecedented environmental change, yet the lack of robust genetic tools has limited mechanistic discovery. The Gibson Laboratory at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research invites applications for an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop and apply next-generation genome engineering technologies in the reef-building coral Acropora millepora. This is a unique opportunity to establish one of the first comprehensive CRISPR-based genome engineering platforms in a rapidly emerging marine model while addressing fundamental questions in coral development, symbiosis, regeneration, biomineralization, and environmental adaptation. The successful candidate will help create the genetic toolkit that enables the next generation of mechanistic studies in reef-building corals.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead efforts to develop and implement CRISPR-based gene editing in our laboratory-based population of Acropora millepora, including targeted gene knockouts, knock-ins, transgenic reporter generation, and other advanced functional genomic approaches. These technologies will be integrated with quantitative microscopy, developmental biology, genomics, and single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying coral development and physiology. The position offers substantial intellectual freedom and opportunities to establish independent research directions while helping transform corals into genetically tractable experimental systems.

The Gibson Laboratory focuses on the biology of anthozoan cnidarians, combining developmental biology, evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, functional genomics, and computational biology to understand how complex biological systems evolve and function. Our goal is to build transformative experimental tools that enable fundamental biological discovery while advancing the broader coral research community.

The successful candidate will join an exceptionally collaborative research environment with access to world-class core facilities in genomics, proteomics, advanced microscopy, bioinformatics, and aquatic animal husbandry. The Stowers Institute provides long-term institutional support for ambitious, high-risk, high-reward science, allowing investigators to pursue innovative research with exceptional technical and scientific resources.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, genomics, cell biology, marine biology, or a closely related discipline.
• An outstanding publication record demonstrating scientific creativity and productivity.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: CRISPR genome engineering, molecular genetics, developmental biology, genomics, microscopy, embryology, computational biology, or marine biology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Prior experience with corals is not required. Candidates with strong backgrounds in genome engineering, functional genomics, stem cell biology, developmental genetics, or related disciplines are especially encouraged to apply.

The Gibson Laboratory

The Gibson Laboratory investigates the genetic and cellular mechanisms that underlie animal development and evolution, with a particular emphasis on cnidarians. Our research integrates functional genetics, genomics, quantitative imaging, and evolutionary biology to study developmental patterning, regeneration, symbiosis, biomineralization, and environmental adaptation.

The laboratory has pioneered functional genetic technologies in cnidarians, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, shRNA-mediated gene knockdown, and transgenic methodologies in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. Building on this foundation, we are extending these approaches to reef-building corals to establish transformative genome engineering technologies for Acropora millepora. 

Application

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae including publication list
• Brief summary of previous research accomplishments
• Contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse scientific community. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.