Jobs

Postdoctoral Fellow — α-Synuclein Mouse Model Research

Employer

Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Principal Investigator

Silke Nuber

Contact

snuber@bwh.harvard.edu

Description

A postdoctoral fellow position is open in the Nuber laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The candidate is curious to study α-synuclein biology in mice and cell culture models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The research focuses on mutations and brain lipid changes and α-synuclein in Parkinson’s pathology and whether small compounds that change the fatty acid saturation or sex hormones benefit phenotype development in our robust transgenic mouse models.

The PI’s previous work demonstrated that excess α-synuclein, the key protein in Lewy body pathology, induces a progressive, L-DOPA-responsive motor syndrome and cortical and dopaminergic fiber loss in familial PD E46K (“1K”) and “3K” mutant mice. The new project uses these unique models to study synucleinopathy. In addition, new mice will be generated to analyze tetramer abrogation by other familial PD α-synuclein mutations. Readouts include behavioral testing as well as biochemical and histopathological analyses.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Requirements

Candidates with a Ph.D. within one to three years and experience in biochemical and histological approaches in rodent models preferred. Only candidates with demonstrated expertise and publications should apply.

  • Ph.D. in neuroscience or biochemistry or a related biological field.
  • Excellent track record of publications.
  • Direct experience with mice, wet lab work: protein and histological analyses is essential.
  • Cell culture experience preferred.
  • Self-motivated and driven individual able to work both independently and in a team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.