Postdoctoral Research Fellow

UM Job Opening ID: 223244

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to oversee a project focused on investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurological complications of diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity, with an emphasis on peripheral neuropathy. In collaboration with other members of the research team, the fellow will contribute to the management, coordination, and implementation of in vitro and in vivo initiatives within the laboratory focused on specific mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy. This individual will direct and perform technical aspects of the diabetic neuropathy research program and supervise team members in project implementation. Adherence to laboratory regulatory policies and training compliance is essential. This individual must also be an effective scientific communicator, with a strong scientific background in molecular biology, scientific techniques, and application to disease research. An interest in supporting a fast-paced, cutting-edge diabetic neuropathy research program is required.

Specific Responsibilities

40%       Design, perform, and interpret mechanism-based studies using complementary in vivo and in vitro models to facilitate research discoveries with translational potential for diabetic neuropathy. Experiments include in vivo drug studies, neuropathy phenotyping, gene expression, mitochondrial function assays, biochemistry, and immunocytochemistry.

15%       Characterize peripheral nerve-specific metabolic reprogramming in the diabetic environment, including testing direct substrate utilization, mitochondrial efficiency, mitochondrial biogenesis, enzyme activities, protein expression, and oxidative stress.

15%       Contribute to biological interpretation/integration of RNA-seq and lipidomics bioinformatics output from multiple mouse models of diabetes and their complications to design in vitro experiments characterizing changes in lipid metabolism and cellular signaling in response to the diabetic environment. Experiments will use primary Schwann cell and dorsal root ganglia neuron cultures and include gene silencing/overexpression, lentiviral transfection, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, western immunoblotting, immunofluorescent microscopy, and ELISA.

20%       Establish a knowledgebase of current literature in the field; prepare grant applications and manuscripts for research conducted.

5%         Support mentorship of undergraduate students and technical personnel

5%         Present work at scientific seminars and conferences.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or medical-related field
• Strong oral and communication skills required, with a minimum of 2 peer-reviewed articles demonstrating a scientific background in biological science
• Must have a positive, collaborative, and flexible attitude suitable for working in a large academic laboratory environment
• Must be interested in supporting fast-paced, cutting-edge research
• Must have excellent planning, organizational and work coordination skills
• Computer skills required

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, sample collection, processing, and analysis preferred
• A background in neuroscience and/or diabetes research is desired