Position Summary
Seeking productive and highly motivated individual to participate in research on the role of striatal pathology or single nucleotide polymorphisms in therapy-mediated dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a research associate, post-doctoral researcher. The researcher will work on one or both ongoing NIH-funded translational studies in rat and non-human primate models of PD:
Project 1 involves examining the ability of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to provide high potency and target-selective mRNA-level silencing of striatal CaV1.3 channels in preventing and reversing levodopa-induced dyskinesias, providing an understanding of molecular, anatomical and functional consequences associated with this gene modulation, and the impact of age and sex on functional efficacy.
Project 2 involves using a CRISPR knock-in rat model of the human BDNF Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs6265) to characterize its effects on the function and synaptic integration of new DA terminals in the parkinsonian striatum using neural grafting as a model system.
Multi-disciplinary approaches will include, but are not limited to, stereotaxic surgery; animal behavior; dual, triple, and quadruple labeled fluorescent immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization; and advanced microscopy including confocal; stereological and Imaris® image analyses.
Candidate must be willing to work as part of a team. Fellow will participate actively in ongoing research and grant submissions, and will be encouraged to develop an independent, related line of inquiry through conduct of pilot projects, preparation of publications and presentations, and submission of independent research grants. This position is located in the new state-of-the-art Grand Rapids Research Center at 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Neuroscience, Neurodegenerative disease
Minimum Requirements
- Doctoral degree in biological or natural sciences and at least four years of experience working in a basic science laboratory.
- Advanced knowledge of neuroscience and/or neurodegeneration, and strong understanding of statistics are required.
- Skills required includes a strong background with advanced microscopy (e.g.: confocal, stereology, etc.), brain tissue handling and processing (e.g.: immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization), small animal handling, and survival stereotaxic surgery.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Candidate must be willing to work as part of a team.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of brain anatomy, molecular biology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, Western blotting, tract tracing, cell culture/organotypic slice culture, rodent behavioral testing, in vivo microdialysis, image analysis & visualization software (e.g.: Imaris®) are desirable.
Required Application Materials
Curriculum Vitae, 3 Letters of Recommendations
Review of Applications Begins On
06/12/2020
Summary of Health Risks
Work with animals, humans, or unfixed animal/human tissue
Website
http://translationalscience.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
