Post Doc - Open Rank

Overview

Postdoctoral Scholar — Tharin Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School

Dr. Suzanne Tharin, MD, PhD, is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Scholar to join a new, NIH-funded research laboratory at UMass Chan Medical School, an international leader in microRNA research. The lab's long-term goal is to understand the molecular controls over cortical neuronal development and regeneration, including stem cell-based strategies for spinal cord injury repair. Current work focuses on the role of microRNAs in shaping the development and regeneration of corticospinal motor neurons.

Responsibilities

Potential Projects

Depending on the candidate's background and interests, potential projects include:

Investigating microRNA controls over corticospinal motor neuron development, specifically examining how differentially expressed microRNAs direct differentiation between corticospinal motor neurons and callosal projection neurons

Identifying the targets of differentially regulated microRNAs in corticospinal motor neurons and their downstream effects on dendritic morphology and neuron-subtype identity

Studying the in vivo response of corticospinal motor neurons to differentially expressed microRNAs, and evaluating their potential roles in promoting cellular recovery and axon regeneration

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or equivalent degree in Neuroscience or a closely related field

Strong background in molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, etc.) and mammalian cell culture

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

A strong drive to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with in utero electroporation of embryonic mouse brain (highly desirable)

Experience with in vivo rodent models, including stereotaxic surgeries, spinal cord injury models, and neural tracing techniques

Familiarity with transcriptomic analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, miRNA-seq)

Additional Information

Details

Funding: NIH-funded position

Start date: Flexible

Salary: Per NIH and UMass Chan pay scales

To apply: Please email your CV and cover letter to Suzanne.Tharin@umassmed.edu