Postdoctoral Fellows - Neurological Disease

Posted by:
Northwestern University

Posted date:
04-Jun-08

POST-DOCTORAL Positions in Neurological Disease

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the DiDonato laboratory in the Human Molecular Genetics Program at Childrens Memorial Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University. The overall theme of the laboratory is to decipher the underlying mechanisms of neuromuscular disease and develop treatment strategies. Our major research focus is on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a fatal pediatric motor neuron disease, which is caused by low levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. 

Positions are available to 1) decipher the timing and spatial requirements of SMN expression 2) determine the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using mouse models 3) to define the regulatory mechanisms that goven SMN expression and test therapies in vivo for their ability to rescue disease phenotype.

In all instances we will use a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches that utilize a novel series of mice that we have generated. Examples of some of the mouse projects include: determining SMNs temporal and spatial requirements using SMN inducible mice in combination with tissue-specific CRE or tamoxifen-inducible CRE mice. We have projects that are aimed specifically at therapeutic treatments as well. 

Applicants should have a PhD, PhD/MD or DVM degree and be proficient in molecular and cell biology techniques. Candidates that have experience in a) developmental neurobiology, b) neuromuscular research C) ES cell manipulation and differentiation or D) in vivo drug studies in mice or E) gene regulation (ChIP, DHS mapping, etc) are especially encouraged to apply.

Application

The positions are available until filled. Start date is flexible and salary is highly competitive. Applicants should be US citizens, permanent residents, or hold a work visa with a 3 year minimum before expiration. 

Send CV and a statement of research interests and names of three references to Christine DiDonato at c-didonatonorthwestern.edu