The Helms Laboratory in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, at the University of Michigan is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join our interdisciplinary team focused on genetic cardiomyopathy, particularly hypertrophic and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy subtypes. We utilize both iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte and mouse models. We generate gene-edited, reporter knock-in, and patient-derived iPSC lines. We work closely with biomedical engineering collaborators and utilize a range of tools for assessing iPSC-CMs, including a muscle bundle platform we developed to increase rigor of structure-function quantifications. We also perform CRISPRa high throughput screening and massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) in iPSC-CMs. A current major focus of the lab is implementation of MPRAs to decode and harness noncoding variant contributors to cardiomyopathy. We have also developed two new mouse models for translational discovery and testing of gene therapy approaches (novel haploinsufficient models of MYBPC3 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and DSP arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy that recapitulate the human diseases). The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to take projects with them to their independent position.  
 

Lab website: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/helmslab 
 

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

• Work closely with others in the laboratory to generate and study iPSC-CM models of cardiomyopathy.
• Perform high throughput studies using CRISPR and/or MPRA technologies.
• Perform translational experiments in mouse models as directed by cell-based studies.
• Take initiative and develop/adapt new concepts and techniques.
• Read the relevant scientific literature deeply.  
• Attend and present in seminars and in joint lab meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present findings at national meetings.  

• Ph.D. in cell or molecular biology, genetics, and/or related fields.
• Expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and/or cardiac physiology. 
• Highly motivated, organized individual with a demonstrated track record of innovation and initiative. 
• Ability to work collaboratively, take initiative, and complete projects.  
• A strong publication record with one or more first-author publication(s)

• Experience with iPSC and iPSC-cardiomyocyte culture, quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy, and/or analysis of high-throughput datasets.  

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.