Jobs

Postdoctoral Position to Study the Etiology of Alzheimer's Disease

Posted 26 Jan 2024

Employer

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Location

Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania

Principal Investigator

Amantha Thathiah

Contact

Interested postdoctoral candidates should send a brief statement of research accomplishments and future interests, contact information for three references, and a CV to Amantha Thathiah (amantha@pitt.edu). 

Description

The Thathiah laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is looking for two highly motivated postdoctoral associates who are passionate about neuroscience and disease-related research. The lab is broadly interested in studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. The positions are ideal for individuals who wish to work in a highly collaborative environment utilizing human-derived induced neuronal (iN) and glial models to answer hypothesis-driven questions and translate in vitro findings to preclinical murine models of AD.

The first postdoctoral scholar will lead an NIH-funded project to investigate the mechanisms involved in neuroimmune communication in AD. Recently, we determined that a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), GPR3, is abundantly expressed in glia, which may trigger a neuroprotective response to the accumulation of AD pathology. The second postdoctoral scholar will lead a project to investigate the mechanisms involved in the pathological phosphorylation and aggregation of tau utilizing an optogenetic model of tau aggregation (optoTAU) that was recently developed in the lab, which provides a platform to investigate molecular and cellular modifiers of tau aggregation.

The lab utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining genetically engineered mouse and cell culture models along with molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques to study the etiology of AD. Lab members strive to implement novel, cutting-edge technology, allowing for timely investigation of AD-relevant biological questions. The long-term goal is to uncover disease mechanisms and to develop alternate avenues for therapeutic intervention. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

1. A recent Ph.D. and strong publication record in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, or related field.
2. Sterile tissue culture and/or IPSC experience.
3. Proficiency with molecular biology techniques, e.g., RNA isolation and cloning.
4. Experience with biochemical approaches, e.g., protein isolation and Western blot analysis.
5. Experience with immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
6. Experience with confocal microscopy.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with single-cell, whole-genome, and proteomic analysis.
2. Experience with mouse handling, including injection, dissection, and behavioral approaches.
3. Experience with flow cytometry analysis.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, technical expertise, and scientific creativity are essential.