Postdoctoral Fellow

  The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.   

ADA Forsyth Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an innovative research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell function in craniofacial tissues, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of stem cell biology, molecular genetics, and regenerative medicine using advanced mouse models and transcriptomic technologies.

The successful candidate will contribute to research investigating microRNA-mediated regulation of stem cells and tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. This role provides opportunities for scientific discovery, publication, collaboration, mentorship, and professional development within a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research studies investigating microRNA-mediated regulation of stem cells in craniofacial and skeletal tissues.
• Utilize conditional knockout, transgenic, and lineage-tracing mouse models to evaluate cellular and molecular mechanisms.
• Perform histological, immunohistochemical, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses of craniofacial and skeletal tissues.
• Conduct in vitro stem cell assays to evaluate self-renewal, differentiation, and regenerative potential.
• Analyze and interpret transcriptomic and molecular datasets to identify pathways involved in tissue development, maintenance, and disease.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, research reports, grant progress reports, and presentations.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external collaborators on multidisciplinary projects.
• Mentor graduate students, trainees, and research staff and provide technical guidance as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and stem cell research methodologies.
• Experience working with mouse models and/or mammalian cell culture systems.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret research findings.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, including preparation of manuscripts and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mouse genetics, lineage tracing, and conditional knockout models.
• Experience with transcriptomic analyses, including RNA sequencing and related technologies.
• Background in craniofacial biology, skeletal biology, regenerative medicine, or related fields.
• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or junior research personnel.