Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Functional Genomics and Molecular Genetics

Our laboratory studies how genetic variation causes human disease and develops experimental approaches to move from genetic discovery to biological mechanism. Research in the laboratory sits at the intersection of human genetics, molecular genetics, functional genomics, and precision genomic medicine, with particular interests in genetic hearing loss, RNA biology, variant interpretation, and the development of scalable functional assays. The successful candidate will take a leading role in our experimental functional genomics program, with opportunities to develop both high-throughput and gene-specific approaches for determining the functional consequences of human genetic variation. Current and developing projects include massively parallel splicing assays, functional characterization of coding and noncoding variants, development of new experimental strategies for genes that are poorly suited to existing assays, and mechanistic follow-up of candidate variants and genes emerging from human genomic studies. A major emphasis of this position is experimental problem solving and assay development. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong hands-on molecular biology skills who enjoy designing experiments, troubleshooting technically challenging systems, and developing new approaches. Expertise in one specific technology is less important than a strong experimental foundation and the ability to take a biological question from initial hypothesis through assay development, data generation, interpretation, and publication. Research Opportunities Depending on the project, projects may involve:- Development and implementation of high-throughput functional genomics assays.- Experimental characterization of variants affecting RNA splicing, gene expression, or protein function.- Massively parallel and sequencing-based functional assays.- Development of gene-specific assays for variants that cannot be adequately evaluated using existing platforms.- Molecular cloning, genome editing, cell-based functional studies, and quantitative molecular assays.- Integration of functional data with human genetic and clinical observations.- Mechanistic follow-up of genes and variants identified through human genomic studies.- Development of new experimental platforms that can be expanded into independent research directions. The fellow will be encouraged to develop scientific questions that complement the laboratory's broader research program while establishing an increasingly independent area of expertise. Training and Career Development The Azaiez-Booth Laboratory is committed to helping postdoctoral fellows develop the scientific independence necessary for their next career stage. Fellows will receive mentorship in experimental design, manuscript preparation, scientific communication, grant and fellowship writing, mentoring junior trainees, and development of an independent research program. Postdoctoral fellows will be expected to lead research projects, contribute substantially to manuscripts and collaborative studies, present their work at scientific meetings, and participate in the preparation of fellowship and research grant applications. Fellows will also have opportunities to collaborate with investigators in human genetics, genomics, clinical genetics, hearing research, and other disciplines across Indiana University School of Medicine and collaborating institutions. We especially encourage applications from scientists who are interested in building a research program at the interface of human genetics and experimental biology and who want to develop new approaches for translating genetic observations into biological insight. IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community, and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health and well-being throughout the state of Indiana. Basic Qualifications Qualifications Applicants must have a Ph. D. or equivalent doctoral degree in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field by the start of the appointment. Ability and willingness to work with mouse models are required for this position. Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:- Molecular cloning and construct design.- RNA biology or alternative splicing.- Mammalian cell culture and transfection.- CRISPR/Cas genome editing.- Next-generation sequencing-based assays.- Functional characterization of genetic variants.- High-throughput or multiplexed experimental approaches.- Quantitative analysis of molecular or cellular phenotypes. Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas. More important are strong experimental skills, scientific curiosity, careful attention to experimental design, and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and independently advance research projects. Department Contact for Questions Questions regarding the position and application materials may be directed to: Dr. Hela Azaiez, PhD ( hazaiez@iu.edu ) and Dr. Kevin T.A. Booth PhD, FACMG ( kevbooth@iu.edu ). Posting Number IUSM-02532-2026