A Postdoctoral Fellowship is available to investigate mechanisms that control accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis, under the supervision of Dr. Mary Dasso. It is essential that mitotic chromosome distribution is tightly controlled in order to avoid the production of daughter cells with aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome number), a genetic alteration associated with many human cancers. Our work focuses on Ran, a GTPase that controls many cellular functions, including nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, spindle assembly, nuclear assembly, and cell cycle progression. We are particularly interested in the role(s) of Ran at mitotic kinetochores, where it is essential for regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and for assembly of microtubule fibers that attach kinetochores to spindle poles. Our studies utilize a variety of metazoan systems, including Xenopus laevis egg extracts and mammalian tissue culture cells. The successful applicant will investigate the targeting of Ran pathway components to the kinetochore, as well as their interactions with other proteins at kinetochores, including SAC components and constituents of the interphase nuclear pore.

Applications are invited from highly motivated scientists with extensive experience in biochemistry, cell biology, and/or molecular biology. The LGRD/NICHD offers excellent training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows, with a highly interactive environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to the diverse NIH scientific community. Candidates for this position must have a Ph.D. or M.D., with less than five years of postdoctoral experience. Interested individuals should click on the button below or send an application by e-mail (mdasso@helix.nih.gov), including a cover letter with research interests, curriculum vitae, bibliography, and the names and contact information of three references. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and selected candidates will be contacted for a personal interview.


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The NICHD was initially established to investigate the broad aspects of human development as a means of understanding developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, and the events that occur during pregnancy. Today, the Institute conducts and supports research on all stages of human development, from preconception to adulthood, to better understand the health of children, adults, families, and communities.