Open positions (updated 1/2025)

Postdoctoral scientists
Postdoctoral positions are available in the Lawson Lab at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology. The Lawson Lab utilizes the zebrafish as a model system to study the development of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Current projects in the lab focus on two general areas:

Developmental nature of vascular anomalies. Current efforts focus on modeling capillary, arteriovenous, and lymphatic malformations. Our goals are to determine how early developmental defects associated with known genetic mutations in humans result in defective vascular or lymphatic function. Studies include identification of relevant molecular targets, linking cellular mechanisms and defects to disease phenotypes, and leveraging our models for small molecule screening to identify therapeutics. This work is currently funded by an R01 from NICHD/NIH. 

Understanding vascular mural cell development. We seek to identify and dissect transcriptional regulatory networks required for pericyte specification and development. Using single cell profiling, we have identified several candidate transcription factors and associated regulatory pathways. Current efforts focus on genetic analysis of candidate pathways to determine how they regulate pericyte specification and their role in vascular function, with emphasis on the neurovascular unit. These studies are currently supported by an R35 from NHLBI/NIH. 

For all projects, we routinely develop and apply cutting-edge approaches, including conditional genetics, CRISPR-based gene editing, and in vivo time lapse. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology as documented through their publication record. Prior expertise in the application of genome editing in model systems is welcome and general experience with model organisms is preferred. Applicants must otherwise be highly motivated and technically accomplished as documented by exceptional publication record. Only those applicants accepted for initial consideration will be subsequently contacted for letters of reference. Interested candidates can email their CV and relevant reprints to: nathan.lawson@umassmed.edu

Research Associate
We are looking for a research associate in the Lawson Lab in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology (MCCB) at UMass Chan Medical School (lawsonlab.umassmed.edu).  This position will provide technical and logistical support for ongoing studies that utilize the zebrafish as a model system to study blood vessel development. Current ongoing projects focus on modeling vascular anomalies, understanding vascular mural cell development, and developing conditional genetics approaches. The position includes the following responsibilities:

Perform PCR-based genotyping on zebrafish embryos and adults.
Construct plasmids using common molecular biology techniques.
Perform microinjections on early zebrafish embryos using mRNA, DNA or protein.
Perform whole mount in situ hybridization and immunostaining on fixed zebrafish embryos.
Perform other related experiments on zebrafish embryos to study signals that regulate blood vessel development.
Perform day-to-day lab operations, including ordering, preparation of stock reagents, etc.

This is an open rank position and we will consider applicants with a broad range of experience, including recent graduates. Previous experience with zebrafish is not required. For entry level applicants considering this position as a prelude to graduate school, we have an excellent track record of Lawson Lab technicians subsequently matriculating to PhD, MD, and MD/PhD programs. Interested applicants can apply to this position by clicking here.