Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Roy Laboratory, within the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This position will focus on investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytoneme-mediated intercellular communication and tissue organization during animal development and homeostasis.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate how cells communicate with spatial and temporal precision to coordinate behavior and establish/maintain organized tissues.
• Focus on cytoneme-mediated signaling, where cellular protrusions establish direct cell contacts for signal exchange.
• Utilize Drosophila as a model system to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of asymmetric signaling.
• Examine how these processes regulate cell behavior, positioning, tissue patterning, and organization.
• Explore how cytoneme-mediated signaling integrates signal exchange with cell adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics.

Research Approaches

• Drosophila genetics
• Genome editing
• Advanced live-cell and high-resolution microscopy
• Molecular biology
• Biochemistry
• Quantitative cell biological approaches

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline.
• Research experience in one or more of the following:
• Molecular and cell biology
• Drosophila genetics
• High-resolution or live-cell microscopy
• Developmental biology

Additional expertise in FLIM-FRET imaging and analysis, optogenetics, or related advanced imaging techniques is desirable but not required.

Research Environment and Career Development

• Collaborative research environment supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Commitment to professional development through scientific mentorship.
• Opportunities to lead research projects, publish findings, and present at conferences.
• Support for developing applications for fellowships and grants.
• Well-suited for candidates seeking scientific independence and preparing for careers in academia or related fields.
• Opportunities to pursue innovative research questions and develop independent research directions.
• Access to advanced research facilities and collaborative expertise at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Application Instructions

Submit the following materials via email to Dr. Sougata Roy ([email protected]):

• Cover letter detailing research interests, previous experience, and future career goals.
• Current curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Position available immediately. Application review begins immediately and continues until filled.