Postdoc - Sex differences in Alzheimer's disease and vascular contributions to dementia

Postdoc Position in Neuroscience - Effects of Sex-Specific Endocrine Aging on Metabolic and Vascular Contributions to Dementia

An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Kristen Zuloaga to study the vascular, metabolic, and hormonal mechanisms underlying dementia.  Studies will examine how menopause, diet-induced obesity, and vascular risk factors influence dementia pathology. Our studies utilize a variety of approaches, including in vivo cerebral blood flow measurements, in vivo gene manipulation (AAVs), cognitive behavioral testing, endothelial translatome (TRAP-seq), transcriptomics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, mouse models of metabolic disease, menopause, andropause, and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and multi-etiology dementia.

Mentorship Environment:

Our research group values open communication, motivation, optimism, mutual respect, teamwork, and innovative thinking. Dr. Zuloaga is highly committed to individualized mentoring plans to help trainees achieve the scientific career they desire. At a minimum, the training environment will include: professional/career development (Dr. Zuloaga co-Directs the New York Capital Regional Postdoctoral Development Program), one-on-one meetings, group lab meetings, departmental neuroscience seminars and journal clubs, opportunities to present your work at national and international scientific conferences, and manuscript preparation for publication in high quality journals. In addition, Dr. Zuloaga has strong funding records for both herself and her trainees and will personally provide mentorship for postdoctoral fellowship and/or K99 or Career Development grant applications when desired by the applicant.  Please visit our lab website for more information:  http://www.ZuloagaLab.com 

About the PI and Albany Medical College

Dr. Zuloaga is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics (DNET) at Albany Medical College, co-Director of the New York Capital Region Postdoctoral Development Program, co-Chair of Education for the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences, and on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Albert Research Institute for White Matter and Cognition. The interdisciplinary nature of her research has allowed her to establish active collaborations with faculty in each of the biomedical science departments at Albany Med. She has received external funding at every stage of her career, including current funding from her NINDS R01, NIA U01, and Alzheimer’s Association AARG. DNET is rapidly expanding, with six new faculty members being recruited in the past five years, each with a focus on promoting translational research.  Albany Medical College is an integral part of a large and active neuroscience community in Albany, which includes SUNY Albany, Wadsworth Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Neural Stem Cell Institute.  

Requirements:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Physiology, or related discipline, should be highly motivated, and should be able to work both independently and as part of a team.   A passion for science, excellent communication (oral and written), organizational skills, and a positive attitude are required. Bioinformatics expertise, genetics expertise, and/or a background in dementia, vascular physiology or neuroendocrinology are desired. Successful candidates will possess a strong track record of publication.

The position is funded by a NINDS/NIA R01. Salary will be at NIH suggested levels and comes with healthcare benefits.

We value and welcome diversity, those traditionally underrepresented in STEM are highly encouraged to apply.  

Applications for the position should include a CV, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter describing major achievements, technical skills, career goals, and how you see your research interests fitting within the scope of our research program.  Please send application materials to Dr. Kristen Zuloaga at zuloagk@amc.edu