Post-Doctoral Research Fellow: Circadian Rhythms in Neuronal Models of Bipolar Disorder

The laboratory of Michael McCarthy MD, PhD seeks an energetic and motivated post-doctoral research fellow to join a dynamic and highly productive team of investigators in Summer/Fall 2023. The research goals are to develop novel cellular models of bipolar disorder using iPSC-derived neurons and use this platform to identify differences in circadian rhythms that distinguish patients with bipolar disorder from controls and inform personalized use of treatment with mood stabilizer medications. Leveraging data from clinical treatment trials and genetic family studies, this innovative project makes use of well-described cohorts of bipolar disorder patients and genetically related healthy subjects. We use viral vectors to express circadian reporter genes in neurons and measure rhythms longitudinally in live cultures and single cells. We characterize neuronal circadian clocks further using genomic, physiological, and structural approaches. The researcher will work in a spacious and well-equipped laboratory to conduct neurobiology experiments using iPSC-derived neurons using molecular and cell biology methods. The project will be an excellent opportunity for a basic science researcher to pursue novel applications of cutting-edge biological research and explore an area with extraordinary potential for clinical translation.

The research group is funded with existing support until 2026 by the Department of Veterans Affairs and housed adjacent to the UCSD main campus at the VA Medical Center in La Jolla, CA.  An academic appointment will be made through the University of California, San Diego Department of Psychiatry, one of the top translational neuroscience research programs in the country, and core member of the UCSD Center for Circadian Biology, an internationally recognized research center, providing additional resources and a rich training environment for fellows such as seminars, national research conferences, and career development/mentorship activities. As a post-doctoral researcher, you will benefit from the wealth of resources and this enriching UCSD training environment.

Requirements:
• PhD degree in a relevant biological science (neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics etc.)
• At least 3 years of biomedical laboratory experience
• Previous experience in stem cell biology, molecular biology, gene editing/gene knockdown, and bioinformatics are highly desirable.
• Strong track-record of research productivity.
• Excellent communication skills, works well in teams, and demonstrates effective skills in time management and organization.
• The successful applicant will meet all eligibility requirements for employment at UCSD and the VA San Diego including US visa status and successful completion of a background check.
• Applicants from under-represented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation: Salaries are competitive and determined based on the experience of the applicant in accordance with NIH and UCSD post-doc union guidelines.

Location: San Diego, CA is a large and vibrant city and a hub of activity for biotechnology with a year-round temperate climate. VA San Diego/UCSD is located in La Jolla CA, close to beautiful beaches, and parks and offers a wide range of cultural, recreational and social opportunities.

Application: Interested applicants should send an email to Dr McCarthy: mmccarthy@health.ucsd.edu that includes the following information: CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least three references willing to write a letter of support.