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PhD Student / Postdoctoral Fellow
Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow in Cardiac Biology Full-time NEW
The Collins lab at the University of Saskatchewan is recruiting a highly motivated graduate student and a postdoctoral research fellow. Our group is interested in understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cardiac development and function. We use functional genomics approaches in animal and cell models to elucidate the molecular roles of atrial fibrillation-associated genes, aiming to uncover new disease biology and identify therapeutic targets.
Project Description: The successful candidate(s) will contribute to projects exploring how Pitx2c, a transcription factor involved in heart development, relates to atrial fibrillation. We showed that pitx2c deletion in zebrafish and in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes causes cardiac phenotypes similar to those of atrial fibrillation (Collins et al., PNAS, 2019). Our research indicates that changes in cardiac metabolism during development are a key factor in triggering arrhythmias. Currently, we are examining how Pitx2c supports heart health by controlling the metabolism of atrial cardiomyocytes.
Training Environment: Our lab is part of the the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology in the College of Medicine at University of Saskatchewan. We are a member of the Imaging and Development Cluster, offering an interdisciplinary research environment. The Collins Lab offers a collaborative research environment that combines cardiovascular biology, genetics, metabolism, and molecular biology. Trainees will gain experience using advanced genetic tools, in vivo and in vitro cardiac models, and translational approaches relevant to arrhythmia research.
Candidate Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong background in cardiovascular biology, genetics, and/or cell/developmental/molecular biology, or a closely related field. Prior hands-on experience in genetics, molecular or cellular biology techniques, or working with zebrafish and/or neonatal rat cardiomyocytes is an asset. Expertise in advanced confocal microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and ChIP-sequencing will be considered a strong advantage. Suitable applicants will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and work effectively in a team.
Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing your research interests and fit with our lab, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2 or 3 academic references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.