Postdoc position available

Postdoctoral Position at the  Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in Professor Yang Chai’s laboratory at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. We are interested in the regulation of developmental patterning, organogenesis, stem cells and regenerative medicine. Our studies seek to define molecular mechanisms governing both normal and abnormal craniofacial development, providing scientific rationales for future therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat craniofacial birth defects, as well as stem cell-based craniofacial regenerative medicine.

CCMB is located on the Health Sciences Campus of USC, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative and interactive research environment. Postdocs will participate in weekly seminars with 100+ people who are interested in developmental biology and stem cells in tissue regeneration. There are ample cross-training opportunities in areas such as bioinformatics, biomedical engineering and translational medicine. Postdocs will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts nationally and internationally.

The candidate must have a PhD and be experienced with molecular and developmental biology. Our research projects are supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. For details, please visit https://chailab.usc.edu/. To apply, please send C.V. and three letters of recommendation to Yang Chai (c/o Ms. Linda Hattemer at lhatteme@usc.edu and ychai@usc.edu). EOE/AA

Some of our recent publications:

  1. Yu, M., Ma, L., Yuan, Y., Ye, X., Montagne, A., He, J., Ho, T. V., Wu, Y., Zhao, Z., Maria, N.S., Jacobs, R., Urata, M., Wang, H., Zlokovic, B.V., Chen, J., Chai, Y. (2021) Cranial suture regeneration mitigates skull and neurocognitive defects in craniosynostosis. Cell, 184, 243-256. PMID33417861.
  2. Yuan, Y., Loh, Y. E., Han, X., Feng, J., Ho. T. V., He, J., Jing, J., Groff, K., Wu, A., and Chai, Y. (2020) Spatiotemporal cellular movement and fate decisions during first pharyngeal arch morphogenesis. Science Advances, PMC7744069.
  3. Zhao, H., Feng, J., Ho, T. V., Grimes, W. C., Urata, M., and Chai, Y. (2015) The suture provides a niche for mesenchymal stem cells of craniofacial bones. Nature Cell Biology, 17, 386-396. PMCID: PMC4380556

New Publication: Cranial Suture Regeneration Mitigates Skull and Neurocognitive Defects in Craniosynostosis

Yu M, Ma L, Yuan Y, Ye X, Montagne A, He J, Ho TV, Wu Y, Zhao Z, Sta Maria N, Jacobs R, Urata M, Wang H, Zlokovic BV, Chen JF, Chai Y. (2021) Cranial suture regeneration mitigates skull and neurocognitive defects in craniosynostosis. Cell. 2021 Jan 7; 184 (1): doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.037

Yu et al., develop a platform for cranial suture regeneration using a biodegradable material combined with mesenchymal stem cells in a mouse model of craniosynostosis that reverses increased intracranial pressure, skull and neurocognitive abnormalities.

Publication Highlights

    • Twist1 +/− craniosynostosis mice exhibit elevated ICP and cognitive deficits

    • Suture MSCs and resorbable biomaterials can support regeneration of patent suture

  • Suture regeneration normalizes Twist1 +/− ICP, skull shape, and cognitive function

  • Suture regeneration offers a biological solution for craniosynostosis patients

New publication: FaceBase 3: Analytical Tools and FAIR Resources for Craniofacial and Dental Research

Samuels BD, Aho R, Brinkley JF, Bugacov A, Feingold E, Fisher S, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Hacia JG, Hallgrimsson B, Hansen K, Harris MP, Ho TV, Holmes G, Hooper JE, Jabs EW, Jones KL, Kesselman C, Klein OD, Leslie EJ, Li H, Liao EC, Long H, Lu N, Maas RL, Marazita ML, Mohammed J, Prescott S, Schuler R, Selleri L, Spritz RA, Swigut T, van Bakel H, Visel A, Welsh I, Williams C, Williams TJ, Wysocka J, Yuan Y, Chai Y. (2020) FaceBase 3: Analytical Tools and FAIR Resources for Craniofacial and Dental Research. Development 147: dev191213. doi: 10.1242/dev.191213