Postdoctoral Fellow

Description

A postdoctoral fellow position is open in the laboratory of Silke Nuber in the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases in the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, to study a-synuclein biology in mice and cell culture models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The research focuses on determining whether gender or lipid-dependent changes that affect the a-synuclein tetramer:monomer ratio early in Parkinson’s pathology confer neuroprotection to specific neurons and brain regions.

The PI’s previous work demonstrated that upstream abrogation of normal a-synuclein tetramers, the key protein in Lewy body pathology, induces a progressive, L-DOPA-responsive motor syndrome and cortical and dopaminergic fiber loss in familial PD E46K (“1K”) and “3K” mutant mice. The new project uses these unique mouse models to study early-onset synucleinopathy. In addition, new models will be generated to analyze tetramer abrogation by other familial PD a-synuclein mutations. Readouts include behavioral testing as well as molecular, biochemical and neuropathological analyses. 

Candidates with a PhD within 1-3 years, with extensive experience working in wet labs, using biochemical and histological approaches in rodent models.  Prior work with primary neurons and/or induced human neurons is preferred. Only candidates with demonstrated expertise and publications in biochemistry, cell biology or rodent animal modeling should apply. 

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Application should be directed to Silke Nuber (snuber@bwh.harvard.edu)

Requirements

·       A Ph.D. in neuroscience, biochemistry or a related biological field.

·       Excellent track record of publications, including in neurodegenerative disease.

·       Direct productivity with mouse studies, protein and RNA extractions, histological analyses is essential

·       Cell culture (primary neurons and/or induced human neurons) experience preferred, listed in detail in CV

·       Self-motivated and driven individual able to work both independently and in a team environment.

·       Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

·       The project will be labor-intensive

    we are looking for consistency for a 3-year period