We seek two talented and motivated postdocs to join the laboratory of Dr Christian Mueller in the Horae Gene Therapy Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Our dynamic and collaborative research environment at UMass Chan includes world renowned clinicians and scientists. Additionally, our location close to Boston supports many collaborations with academic and industrial research groups. Under the leadership of Dr GuangPing Gao, the UMass Chan GTC is one of the top US gene therapy centers, focusing its research efforts on rare diseases of the liver, CNS, and eye, with a state-of-the-art vector core that handles vector production for its researchers.

Open positions

1. CNS Lead. Responsible for advancing the lab’s preclinical programs for CNS diseases.  Lead indications are SOD1-linked and C9orf72-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Projects will include early stage research on genome editing for ALS, an IND-enabling study in non-human primates for a gene therapy candidate for ALS, and an IND-enabling study in non-human primates for a gene therapy candidate for HD.
2. Liver Lead. Responsible for advancing the lab’s preclinical programs for liver diseases. Lead indication is α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Projects will include early research on genome editing for AATD, miRNA roles in liver disease, characterization of two novel animal models for AATD and an IND-enabling study in non-human primates for a gene therapy candidate for AATD.

Applicants should have a PhD in biomedical sciences with a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry, as well a track record in the field of ALS/CNS disorders (CNS Lead role) or liver diseases (Liver Lead role). Hands-on experience with relevant mouse models as well as excellent knowledge of CRISPR-based genome editing are required. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment and multitask, be highly organized and adaptable are required. Strong writing, verbal and interpersonal skills are required.

Required skills

• PhD degree in biomedical sciences

• track record in ALS/CNS disorders or liver diseases with at least two first author publications

• hands-on experience with genetic mouse models (CNS or liver)

• excellent knowledge of CRISPR-based gene editing

• fluently speak and write English

Preferred skills

• hands-on experience with CRISPR-based gene editing

• experience in next generation sequencing and bioinformatics

• experience in tissue culture, cytokine multiplex assays and ELISA

Our lab is multicultural and supports personal development and work-life balance. Attractive salary and benefits available based upon relative working experience. Worcester is located an hour away from Boston and offers a good quality of life with plenty or nearby outdoor activities. For more information on the Mueller Lab for Gene Therapy we invite you to visit our website: www.umassmed.edu/muellerlab

Please send your cover letter, resume, and three references as a single pdf file to Chris Mueller at chris(dot)mueller(at)umassmed(dot)edu.