Postdoctoral researcher

The Sapkota lab studies the regulation of mRNA translation in CNS function and disease. We are particularly interested in alternative translation, a phenomenon where ribosomes use unannotated start and stop codons on specific transcripts and generate N- and C-terminal protein variants (See Sapkota et al. Cell Reports. 2019). We have found that a C-terminal variant of the water channel protein AQP4 is involved in the clearance of amyloid-beta from the brain and thus exerts protection against Alzheimer’s disease (a manuscript in press).

Two key questions will guide your research: i) What roles do N- and C-terminal protein variants play in the brain and retina? and ii) How is translation impacted in neurological diseases? To tackle these questions, you will utilize mouse genetics, molecular biology, transcriptomics, translatomics, stereotaxic surgeries, pharmacology, MRI, and behavioral assays. Expectations include:

• Ability to lead projects independently. This means you are motivated to read the literature, synthesize new information, formulate hypotheses, and design and execute experiments (The PI has plenty of ideas to engage you but will love to cherish your creativity and independence).
• Attention to details, strong work ethic, and ability to treat everybody with respect.

Please apply at the University of Texas at Dallas job portal. The posting number/job ID is S04257P. Here is the link to the portal: https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/19470

Thank you for your interest!