Postdoctoral Scientist

JOB PURPOSE: 

The incumbent will carry out research projects to study the neurobiology of Parkinson’s disease with emphasis on restorative therapies. The fellow will explore basal ganglia neurophysiology in health and disease in animal models using state-of-the-art techniques such as gene therapy, cell transplantation, single-cell electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics, chemogenetics, microdialysis, polysomnography, imaging, advanced microscopy, and tissue clearing as part of a team that has a strong history of external research funding. Strong background in the neurosciences and hands-on experience with the paraquat + lectin rat model of Parkinson’s disease is highly desirable. Successful applicants will also have a strong background in writing, publishing manuscripts, and contributing to grant applications. The incumbent locates and reviews the literature pertinent to projects. They develop methods for and collect, organize, and record experimental data in a form suitable for publication and future reference, and maintain complete, detailed records of all experiments performed in a lab notebook or other journal form. They analyze experimental results and prepare data for publication in peer-reviewed journals. 

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: 

Supervision and training of technical staff and students in the laboratory. 

​NATURE AND SCOPE: 

Independently perform a wide range of highly technical and complex research and laboratory tests and procedures; Devise highly specialized research procedures by applying knowledge of advanced research techniques and equipment; Provide input and recommend alternative approaches to research protocols; Analyze and interpret the results of studies; Train research staff in specialized procedures and theoretical concepts for unique tests; Assist in grant and other funding application preparation; Review literature for related research developments and techniques; Prepare written materials, charts and graphs on specialized techniques and research results for publication or presentation; Monitor the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances. Reports to the Neurology Chair – Dr. Thyagarajan Subramanian, who is also the PI.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Works closely with the PI.   Essential functions include the following:  

• Perform studies to understand basal ganglia physiology. 

• Perform studies to understand neurochemistry.  

• Perform immunochemistry, tissue clearing, light sheet microscopy, and interpret data. 

• Prepare data for publication. 

• Prepare manuscripts for publication. 

• Present data at scientific meetings 

CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• Strongly motivated to establish an independent research career in the Neurosciences. 

• Must be flexible and able to manage multiple high-priority demands. 

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience with Parkinson’s disease research, although others without such experience are also encouraged to apply 

• Ph.D. or M.D. or equivalent required 

• Will work in Parkinson’s disease research laboratory, using animal models, gene therapy, optogenetics, and cell cultures.  

• Will work with chemicals, viral vectors, lasers, high-end microscopes, tissue clearing protocols, fiber photometry, and NIH-approved stem cell lines. 

• Some moderate lifting may be necessary. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• PhD or MD degree or equivalent 

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience with the Paraquat and Lectin Parkinson’s disease animal model and behavioral assessments in this model.