Research Scholar (Post-Doctoral Scholar)

Position Definition:

This announcement is for a post-doctoral position in lab of Raymond Swanson, Dept. of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco (https://www.swansonlab.com/index.html). (The NCIRE "research scholar" position is equivalent to a post-doctoral fellow, and comes with all the resources available to UCSF post-doctoral fellows.) We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join a small, dedicated group with a focus on translational neuroscience. The incumbent will advance research relevant to Parkinson's disease therapeutics using cell culture, iPSC, and animal models of these disorders. The scholar will lead a research project involving a "gain of function" property of α-synuclein aggregates that presents a novel therapeutic avenue. The scholar will also participate in a project using CRISPR-edited human iPSC - derived dopaminergic neurons to evaluate specific gene variants that render individuals more susceptible to certain environmental causes of Parkinson's disease. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, histology, and immunohistochemistry is strongly preferred. Competitive candidates will have excellent communication and organizational skills and enjoy working with a variety of experimental approaches.

Essential Functions:

• Using iPSC-derived neurons, identify genes that modulate susceptibility to toxicant-induced Parkinson's disease
• Assist in animal studies using AAV- mediated gene downregulation to identify genes that modulate susceptibility to toxicant-induced Parkinson's disease
• Use live-cell fluorescence microscopy
• Using cell culture preparations, identify peptides that mitigate the toxicity of alpha-synuclein aggregates.
• Data analysis and manuscript preparation related to the above.

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Neuroscience or related filed
• Track record of first-author scientific publications
• Good familiarity with basic science of neurodegenerative disorders.
• Experience fluorescence microscopy, preferably live cell imaging
• Experience with cell culture and immunohistochemistry
• Excellent communication/collaboration/organizational skills

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment for this position will include an indoor office and a medical research environment. It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may sustain posture in standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.

The base wage range for this position is $68,640.00 - $79,639.96 per year. Salary and rank will commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate's geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation's Veterans.