Overview
The Cruchaga Lab, member of the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, is recruiting a motivated, creative, self-driven Postdoctoral Research Associate work on patient and isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and downstream applications such as transcriptomics to study pathogenicity in Alzheimer disease (AD.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be mentored by Drs. Cruchaga and Tayebi and will focus on the identification and characterization of novel genes implicated in AD. Towards this end, various cell lines combined with molecular, cellular, biochemical and pharmacological methods will be utilized to functionally characterize AD-associated genes for subsequent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. The new Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in a collegial environment and join a multidisciplinary, diverse team in a well-stablished, well-funded research group, currently 35+ dynamic members, developing bioinformatics, analyzing multi omics data and performing functional genomics analyses to explore the frontiers of AD.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
· Preparing and maintaining iPSC cultures.
· Organizing, and performing iPSC- differentiation to neuronal and microglia cell lines.
· Working closely with the senior scientist in the wet lab on the design, conduct and reporting of research projects.
· Performing other wet lab experiments including DNA/RNA extraction, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
· Conducting literature reviews related to research projects, designing and performing the experiments, interpreting the results, writing reports and papers.
Required Qualifications
· PhD (or expect to obtain a degree in the near future) in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neurobiology, neuroscience, or a related discipline.
· Strong background and demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or RNA biology.
· Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, Northern and Western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, RNA/DNA delivery (e.g. mRNA, siRNA, ASO, lentivirus technology, transient transfection, loss/gain of function experiments), immunocytochemistry, light and confocal microscopy. Prior experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cultures is advantageous.
· Knowledge of flow cytometry, cell sorting, high-throughput screening and cell-based screening (e.g., luciferase assays, high-content imaging, massively parallel/multiplexed assays, etc.) is desirable but not required.
· Ability to interpret and discuss experiments, critically contribute to writing of manuscripts and grant proposals is expected.
· The candidate should be well-organized, able to multi-task with excellent lab bench skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
· Prior experience in AD or neurodegenerative diseases research is desirable but not required.
· Proficiency in written and oral English is mandatory.
This position is located at the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis.
Interested candidates send Cover Letter and CV to Dr. Tayebi (ntayebi@wustl.edu)
