Postdoctoral fellow (Neuroimmunology and Delirium Research)

The Terrando lab (http://anesthesiology.duke.edu/?page_id=838077) is interested in the mechanisms underlying postoperative neurocognitive disorders and novel strategies to modulate neuroinflammation and innate immunity.

Current NIH funded projects focus on:

• neuro-immune interactions after surgery, with a focus on the role of the blood-brain barrier opening during neurodegeneration

• cellular senescence and aging in postoperative delirium, including neuroinflammation modeling in organ-on-chip technologies

• neuromodulation and therapeutics to treat postoperative neurocognitive disorders

We seek a highly-motivated individual to study how peripheral surgery impacts these processes. Key guiding questions include (i) what are the effects of surgery on the neurovascular unit and blood-brain barrier? (ii) how inflammation affects glial function and activity in animal models and microphysiological systems? (iii) does microglia modulation prevent postoperative delirium or delay disease progression in susceptible models of neurodegeneration? For recent representative work of our lab please see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-020-00812-1 and https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(22)00264-1/fulltext

A PhD degree is required with training in neuroscience, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and/or a related field. Experience with mouse models, biochemistry/molecular biology, and behavioral assays is required. Familiarity with sequencing methods and/or cellular (hiPSCs and cell lines) is welcomed. The candidate will work in a strong interdisciplinary and collaborative environment at Duke University and Duke Medical Center.

The Terrando lab cares about the well-being of all members of our team. Everyone is treated equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, citizenship, disabilities, political views, family status, and sexual orientation. If you are interested in joining our collaborative and supportive scientific community, please contact us!