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Position Summary

Two postdoctoral research associates are required to work on iPSCs and C. elegans respectively. Postdoctoral research associates will work on identifying PFAS-led neurotoxicity mechanisms and other budding research projects. Proficiency in working with in vitro models or C. elegans is strongly desired. Applicants with expertise in C. elegans should have knowledge of molecular biology techniques, gene expression, genetics, and microinjection. In addition to the primary projects, they will also perform medium to high throughput studies for screening/identification of drug candidates, toxicants, and RNAi for identifying phenotypes/mechanisms specific to neurodegenerative disorders. 

Additional knowledge/expertise in molecular biology techniques and utilizing rodent models will be a plus for both. Sammi lab is supported by the R00 (upcoming) and startup funds. The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for experimental design, completion, and data analyses. The candidate is also expected to work on new projects and collaborative efforts in the direction of the principal investigator. The postdoctoral research associate will oversee design, preparation, and execution, along with other duties such as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory. They will also be expected to be both the primary author and co-author of several peer-reviewed manuscripts, prepare reports, and interact with peers in the same research area. 
The principal investigator will also extend support in career development through encouragement towards research fellowship applications, interact with established people during conferences, and provide feedback on application materials and strategies/opportunities to achieve career goals. In addition, PI will also be open to training the applicant across model systems. While prior training on iPSCs or C. elegans is a requirement, candidates with expertise in other model systems or interest/background in the field of neurotoxicology and neurodegenerative disorders are also encouraged to apply.

This position is located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, MI, in the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center on the Medical Mile, where MSU and other local community partners are driving innovation and discovery on many facets of biomedical research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Neurotoxicology, or related field 

Minimum Requirements

• A doctoral degree in a biomedical research discipline including a minimum of 4 years of experience in a research laboratory is required.
• Candidate should be acquainted with common biological laboratory research techniques and have an understanding of neurobiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, animal and cell modeling, and/or neurodegenerative disease biology, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
• Applicants should be able to have critical thinking and analytical skills along with experience in conducting research independently.
• Applicant must work well in a team-oriented environment.
• At least one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal is expected.

Desired Qualifications

• Training/experience in the area of neurotoxicology, and neurodegenerative disease research, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
• Experience with one or more of the following techniques is also desired:  
  1. Molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as cloning, gene regulation, recombinant protein, protein, gene knockdown approaches or
  2. Enzyme activity assays or
  3. small rodent studies, including husbandry, stereotaxic surgical procedures, behavioral (motor and/or cognitive) analyses, gene therapy-based approaches to express or knockdown genes, and necropsy or
  4. Microscopy techniques, including, confocal microscopy, standard brightfield/fluorescence microscopy; and/ or
  5. monoclonal antibody production, validation, and application in biochemical and immunohistological assays or
  6. In silico techniques to discern toxicant-target interactions.
• All applicants should have an understanding and experience applying statistical analysis. 

Required Application Materials

Curriculum Vitae, Names of 3 or more references, 1-2 page statement highlighting past accomplishments and future research and career goals.

Together-we-will Statement

Review of Applications Begins On

02/17/2023

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue

Website

http://translationalscience.msu.edu/

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