Job Description: One Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Hyunglok Chung in the Department of Neurology at Houston Methodist Research Institute/Weill Cornell Medicine. This position is offered through the Pediatric Cancer and Rare Disease Support Program (https://www.ccrdp.org/front/) and is officially affiliated with the Genetic Disease Research Center at Korea University College of Medicine. The selected candidate will immediately begin working in Dr. Chung's lab (https://chung.hmailabs.org/) in Houston, Texas, upon hiring, focusing on Drosophila functional studies. This unique opportunity allows the candidate to conduct research in a cutting-edge scientific environment, leveraging advanced resources and collaborating with world-class researchers in the United States.

The position focuses on conducting research on rare genetic diseases using cutting-edge Drosophila models. The selected candidate will investigate the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases prevalent in Korea, using patient-derived clinical and genetic data. Responsibilities include functional validation of disease-associated variants, elucidating disease mechanisms through fly-based models, and performing drug screening to identify and evaluate potential therapeutic candidates. The candidate will be expected to translate these findings into meaningful scientific publications and contribute to collaborations with both clinical and research teams.

Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. in Genetics, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience, or related fields. Candidates with previous experience using Drosophila melanogaster or working on rare disease projects are highly preferred but not required. The candidate is expected to take full ownership of their research project, rigorously design and perform experiments, collaborate effectively with team members within and outside the lab, and maintain strong organizational and communication skills alongside a high work ethic.

Key Benefits: Salary starts at approximately 80 million KRW annually and can be adjusted based on experience and years of service.

Fringe Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, relocation assistance, and visa sponsorship are included. Professional development support, including mentorship and opportunities for international collaborations, will be provided to ensure career growth.

Institutional Overview: Houston Methodist Hospital has been the #1 hospital in Texas for 11 consecutive years and is ranked No. 15 nationwide. The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), a non-profit academic research institute affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College, is located in the Texas Medical Center. HMRI offers exceptional translational research opportunities and is in close proximity to leading institutions such as Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM), a top-ranked academic medical institution, is renowned for its excellence in education, research, and patient care. Dr. Hyunglok Chung, co-appointed as an Assistant Professor at WCM, benefits from access to WCM's extensive research network and resources. This dual affiliation strengthens the lab’s interdisciplinary research efforts, providing candidates with opportunities to engage in impactful projects within a globally recognized academic environment.

Application Instructions: Applicants should directly email Dr. Chung at hyc4004@med.cornell.edu, providing a single PDF file that includes their CV and the names/contact information of three references.