Recruit

Geekiyanage lab at University of California, Merced is seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral scholar to work in collaboration with the principal investigator, graduate students and undergraduate students in the lab.
Geekiyanage lab is focused on understanding the biology of non-coding RNAs including miRNA, piRNA and long ncRNA, in the context of their fundamental properties and their contribution to disease pathologies, diagnosis and treatments. The lab is committed to developing new technologies and approaches and employs cell biology, molecular biology, genomics and mouse models to address the fundamental and translational biology questions pertaining to non-coding RNA and human health. The successful applicant will perform research in understanding the properties of extracellular miRNA and their carrier complexes, and their export and delivery routes. The successful applicant has the opportunity to collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students in the lab to work with human tissue, blood plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid samples, combined with mouse and cell culture studies using viral vector delivery, microscopy techniques (confocal and TEM), and molecular biology techniques including (not limited to) qPCR, RNA-seq, cloning and CRISPR genome editing.

Geekiyanage lab is in the Department of Bioengineering and is affiliated with the Quantitative Systems Biology Program. These departments and programs are home to a vibrant research community. The University is in close proximity to academic institutions and biotech/pharmaceutical companies in the bay area. The proximity of UC Merced to Yosemite National Park adds value to life. Combined with the unique location, access to the University of California network, and research commitments, this position offers an exciting environment for next-generation scientists to succeed in careers in academia and industry.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.