Postdoctoral fellowship in age-related brainstem neuropathology of sleep disordered breathing

A post-doctoral fellow position is available in the Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, VanderHorst lab, Boston, USA. https://www.bidmc.org/research/research-by-department/neurology/laboratories/veronique-vanderhorst-laboratory

The successful candidate will play a key role in an NIH funded study in which key physiological dimensions of sleep apnea from older subjects are correlated with late-life neuropathologies in post-mortem brainstem and spinal cord samples. This study is embedded in a larger framework and is conducted in parallel to systems neuroscience studies in the VanderHorst lab in which circuit mechanisms of sleep apnea are probed using state of the art mouse models. Opportunities exist for cross training. These research lines are well integrated in a world class systems neuroscience community with abundant opportunities for training and career development. Candidates with more than 5 years of post-doctoral experience may be considered for a senior research associate or other relevant position.

The candidate will identify and quantify cell type specific pathologies in distinct circuit nodes of post mortem brainstem and spinal cord from older adults. Responsibilities involve development of specialized in situhybridization and immunohistochemical protocols, optimization and validation of semi-quantitative and quantitative microscopy and image analyses, confocal imaging, analyses and synthesis of findings for reports and publications. The candidate will work with a team of RAs who are tasked with routine tissue preparation, processing and analyses. Salary is commensurate with experience and NIH guidelines (as relevant). 

To Apply: Please submit a letter of interest including research and career goals, CV, and contact information of three references to Dr. Veronique VanderHorst at vvanderh@bidmc.harvard.edu. Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

General information: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is one of the nation's preeminent academic medical centers. It is home to a renowned academic research program where scientific discoveries are helping to transform medical care. With revolutionary advances and therapies happening right here within our walls, BIDMC is a national leader in "bench to bedside" research. BIDMC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and members of under-represented minority groups. BIDMC is affiliated with Harvard Medical School and located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston. 

Qualifications:

-PhD and/or MD

-Experience in fields of systems neuroscience, aging and/or neuropathology

-Excellent analytical skills, and demonstrable critical thinking and scientific curiosity

-Excellent scientific track record

-Proficiency in quantitative microscopy, image analyses, advanced in situhybridization, immunohistochemistry 

-Proficiency in animal work, while not required, will be seen as an advantage

-Affinity for translational research is strongly desired

-Excellent organizational skills and dedication to teamwork and collaboration

-Excellent skills in written and spoken English