Postdoctoral Researcher - Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy

Summary

The lab seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to lead studies related to one or more of our exciting research areas including 1) the role of astrocytes in motor neuron pathology in spinal muscular atrophy and 2) mechanisms underlying neural progenitor cell disruption following cytomegalovirus infection.

To research these topics, the lab uses a variety of approaches including generating and differentiating patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into a variety of neuronal and glial subtypes and forebrain organoids, live cell calcium imaging, microelectrode array, fluorescent microscopy, viral gene delivery for over-expression and knockdown studies both in vitro and in vivo, cell surface proteomics, and RNA sequencing.

Translational projects are available and collaboration and communication with clinicians from the major adjacent hospitals regularly occurs. Our team is interactive and has multiple ongoing collaborations with other labs in various departments at MCW and at other institutes. We seek PhDs who are highly motivated, mature, and possess excellent interpersonal skills and writing skills.

Opportunities are available for presentations at national and international scientific conferences and for applying for independent funding.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and analyze complex research procedures using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and forebrain organoids
• Perform calcium imaging on neurons and astrocytes
• Bring new molecular and/or physiological methods to the laboratory
• Develop creative new methodologies for lab procedures, including high content imaging, cell surface proteomics, and RNA seq approaches and analysis
• Teach and guide technicians, rotating graduate students, rotating medical students, and junior graduate students to perform cellular and molecular analyses and help them efficiently organize and analyze their experiments.
• Participate in lab meetings with the principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and evaluate lab procedures.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction/delegation/prioritizing.
• Be an engaged lab member that works efficiently in a team setting and is willing to engage in lab and department outings.
• Independently write first drafts of research proposals and first author manuscripts.
• Present scientific findings at local, national, and international meetings
• Apply to competitive independent funding opportunities
• Effectively communicate with other lab members through email and personal interactions
• Offer feedback for other lab member's and Dr. Ebert's grants and manuscripts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Strong motivation, team player attitude, and strong ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects.
• Previous laboratory experience including sound scientific practice in research, methodology development and accurate laboratory techniques, and the ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.
• Experience with scientific approach and methodologies in neuroscience, induced pluripotent stem cell disease modeling, neurodegeneration, and molecular biology is preferred.
• Experience with mouse models is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required Education: PhD in a scientific field
• Minimum Required Experience: 0 years

Preferred Education

Neuroscience, Cell and Developmental Biology

Preferred Experience

Progressive knowledge and skill development and stem cell biology

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.