Advanced Postdoctoral Research Fellow

UM Job Opening ID: 223240

We are seeking an experienced postdoctoral research fellow to lead 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 be responsible for the management, coordination, and implementation of in vitro and in vivo initiatives within the laboratory focused on specific mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy. This individual must have the ability to direct and perform all technical aspects of the diabetic neuropathy research program and supervise team members in project implementation. Experience with laboratory regulatory policies and training compliance will be 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 and leading a fast-paced, cutting-edge diabetic neuropathy research program is required. The advanced postdoctoral research fellowship is the first step to becoming a Research Investigator which can lead to a Research Assistant Professor position for the successful applicant.

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.

20%       Develop techniques for characterizing 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.

10%       Oversee 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%          Mentor 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 3 peer-reviewed articles demonstrating a strong scientific background in biological science
• Must have a positive, collaborative, and flexible attitude suitable for working in a large academic laboratory environment
• Must be capable of working independently on fast-paced, cutting-edge research
• Must have excellent planning, organizational and work coordination skills
• Computer skills required

Desired Qualifications

• Previous postdoctoral research experience preferred
• Five or more peer-reviewed publications desired.
• Experience in molecular biology, sample collection, processing, and analysis preferred
• A background in neuroscience and/or diabetes, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, is desired