Posted Date:
Position Description
About the Lab:
Multiple research fellow, volunteer, visiting scientist, and collaborative opportunities are available in the laboratory of Dr. Liang Ma at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Lab website: https://labs.uthscsa.edu/ma/
Our laboratory studies how molecular and regulatory changes in the human brain contribute to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. We integrate large-scale human brain multi-omics with human stem cell-based functional genomics to identify disease-associated genes, transcript isoforms, and regulatory mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction. Our work has been published in journals including Molecular Psychiatry, Molecular Neurodegeneration, and PLOS Biology. Publications: https://labs.uthscsa.edu/ma/publications/
The lab collaborates with investigators in neurogenomics, stem cell biology, computational biology, and translational neuroscience, and works with multiple human brain biobanks and large-scale consortium datasets. Lab members have opportunities to participate in collaborative projects and, depending on experience and commitment, may develop independent research directions leading to publications and conference presentations.
Position 1: Computational Biology / Bioinformatics:
Our lab analyzes large-scale human postmortem brain multi-omics datasets, including:
- Whole-genome sequencing
- Bulk and single-nucleus RNA-seq
- Long-read transcriptomics
- ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq
- DNA methylation datasets
- Spatial transcriptomics
We apply integrative multi-omics approaches to study gene regulation and disease mechanisms in the human brain. We also develop computational methods for integrative genomics, spatial analysis, and machine learning-assisted biological discovery. Computational trainees may work remotely depending on the project.
Position 2: Stem Cell Biology / Functional Genomics:
Using insights from human brain multi-omics analyses, our lab functionally investigates disease-associated genes and transcript isoforms using:
- Human iPSC-derived neuronal cultures
- 3D brain organoids
- Viral gene perturbation
- CRISPR-based genome editing
- Functional phenotyping
Our goal is to establish scalable human neuronal systems for studying molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Bench-based trainees are generally expected to work onsite. Remote participation is limited to literature review, project planning, experimental design support, and computational analysis associated with ongoing experimental projects.
Position Requirements
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in:
- Bioinformatics
- Computational biology
- Computer science
- Biostatistics
- Neuroscience
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Biomedical engineering
- Data science
Highly motivated undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and collaborators are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should email:
- CV
- Brief statement of research interests
- Relevant experience and career goals
to:
Liang Ma, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Email: mal1@uthscsa.edu
All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.