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Posted: 06-Jan-23
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 225038
We are seeking an experienced postdoctoral research fellow to oversee a project focused on investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 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 ALS. Specific tasks include the implementation and analysis of immune profiling data from human subjects and rodent models, in vivo therapeutic studies, and related in vitro mechanistic studies. Additional responsibilities will include developing computational models of disease progression based on metabolite and gene expression signatures, collaborating with the Bioinformatics Core, developing data-handling and mining tools to integrate multiple bioinformatics approaches, and developing databases and database applications. Experience with laboratory regulatory policies and training compliance will be essential. This individual must also be an effective scientific communicator and be able to write, complete, and successfully obtain grant funding as well as collaborate with other laboratory investigators on grants and publish their research findings in high impact biomedical journals. A strong scientific background in molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, scientific techniques, and application to disease research, as well as an interest in supporting and leading a fast-paced, cutting-edge ALS research program, is required.
- Design, perform, and interpret mechanism-based studies using complementary in vivo and in vitro models – as well as primary clinical samples – to characterize disease mechanisms, identify treatment targets, and facilitate research discoveries with translational potential for ALS. In vivo experiments include drug studies, disease phenotyping, gene expression, immune profiling assays, FACS, plasmid cloning, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. In vitro experiments include use of human iPSC cultures, neuronal differentiation, gene silencing/overexpression, lentiviral transfection, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, western immunoblotting, immunofluorescent microscopy, and ELISA.
- Design, develop and conduct bioinformatics research experiments in the field of neurodegeneration, with a focus on metabolomics, microarray, and next generation sequencing analyses, including RNA-Seq, variant detection (exome sequencing, genome resequencing), miRNA-Seq, and epigenomics. Explore, test, and utilize bioinformatics software tools in development of analysis workflow and pipelines. Will be responsible for installation of bioinformatics software and maintenance of pipelines, purchase of software licenses, data storage, computing power, etc.
- Conduct data analysis, perform thorough quality checks, review progress, and interpret data in the context of biological mechanism being studied. Implement research methodologies based on analysis results.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest analysis methods, evaluate current research methods to identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, improve and optimize workflows.
- Establish a knowledgebase of current literature in the field; prepare grant applications and author/co-author manuscripts; present results at conferences.
- Collaborate with key university core facilities, departments, or organizations.
- Train and mentor undergraduate students and technical personnel
- A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field is required
- 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
- Experience in molecular biology, sample collection, processing, and analysis desired
- Experience with the use of CRISPR-Cas9, exosomes and associated assays, and immune techniques such as flow cytometry is desired, as well as other techniques including cell culture, PCR, Western blot, and histology/IHC as well as general biochemistry
- Experience in bioinformatics, including designing omics studies and interpreting bioinformatics data in metabolomic, microbiome, and gene expression profiling, pathway mapping, and biomarker identification is preferred
- At least 5 or more peer-reviewed articles demonstrating a strong scientific background in biological science preferred
- Strong supervisory skills with a history of training and mentoring desired
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
This position may be removed from the job board and filled at any time.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.
