Postdoctoral position studying developmental disorders at Stanford University

The Sheltzer Lab at Stanford University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a cutting-edge project applying CRISPR to dissect the consequences of copy-number alterations in iPS cells.

This project focuses on 8p syndrome, a developmental disorder caused by a complex rearrangement on chromosome 8p that results in neurodevelopmental delays, epilepsy, and other clinical features. Using our recently developed chromosome engineering approach, we have created isogenic stem cell lines that allow us to precisely isolate the effects of the chromosomal abnormality from other genetic variation (Lee et al., bioRxiv 2025). This project will expand on this work by generating additional patient-derived models, performing comprehensive differentiation studies across multiple cellular contexts, and using CRISPR activation and interference to identify specific genes that contribute to disease pathology.

The successful candidate will gain expertise in stem cell biology, genome engineering, neural differentiation, and bioinformatic analysis while addressing fundamental questions about how chromosomal imbalances cause developmental disorders. This work has direct translational potential, as functionally validated genes represent promising targets for future therapeutic interventions. The postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of genetics, developmental biology, and precision medicine in a collaborative environment focused on mechanistic discovery.

The Sheltzer Lab is located at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, which provides exceptional resources and support for postdoctoral training. The Sheltzer Lab is a highly-collaborative environment that values rigorous research and that welcomes scientists from all backgrounds. More information on research in in the lab can be found on our website (www.sheltzerlab.org) and in the following publications:

• Lee, S.N., Banda, E.C., Qiao, L., Thompson, S.L., Singh, K., Hagenson, R.A., Davoli, T., Pinter, S.F., Sheltzer, J.M. (2025). Chromosome engineering to correct a complex rearrangement on Chromosome 8 reveals the effects of 8p syndrome on gene expression and neural differentiation. bioRxiv. doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.17.624023.
• Girish, V., Lakhani, A.A., Thompson, S.L., Scaduto, C.M., Brown, L.M., Hagenson, R.A., Sausville, E.L., Mendelson, B.E., Kandikuppa, P.K., Lukow, D.A., Yuan, M.L., Stevens, E.C., Lee, S.N., Schukken, K.M., Akalu, S.M., Vasudevan, A., Zou, C., Salovska, B., Li, W., Smith, J.C., Taylor, A.M., Martienssen, R.A., Liu, Y., Sun, R., Sheltzer, J.M. (2023). Oncogene-like addiction to aneuploidy in human cancers. Science. Doi.org/10.1126/science.adg4521.
• Lukow, D.A., Sausville, E.L., Suri, P., Chunduri, N.K., Wieland, A., Leu, J., Smith, J.C., Girish, V., Kumar, A.A., Kendall, J., Wang, Z., Storchova, Z., Sheltzer, J.M. (2021). Chromosomal instability accelerates the evolution of resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Developmental Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2021.07.009.

Candidates who are interested in applying to this position should send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Sheltzer.