How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Additionally, Interested candidates should submit their CV and a letter explaining your research interests, including contact information for two or three references, to Lauren Surface: [email protected]
Summary
A postdoctoral position to study cutting-edge questions about systems physiology, using a range of techniques and animal models is available immediately in the Surface Lab in the Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. (https://media.dent.umich.edu/labs/surface/)
What You'll Do
Our lab is focused on understanding how bone cells respond to their environment, especially to drugs and mineral ions such as phosphate and calcium. We study the response at multiple levels, from the molecular and cellular mechanisms to the organismal-level response using animal models. Postdocs are encouraged to pursue their own projects within this broad umbrella.
One line of research in the lab focuses on understanding the response to bisphosphonates (BPs), commonly prescribed drugs used to treat osteoporosis a condition that becomes of increasing importance as the world population ages. While BPs are generally safe, some patients do not respond well to these drugs and these drugs are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures, but the cause of this variation in drug response isn't known. To shed light on this, we have previously used genome-wide CRISPR screens to identify over 300 genes that affect the response to BPs. We discovered that two genes with large effects, ATRAID and SLC37A3, are essential for the lysosomal release of BP. We are currently investigating the endogenous function of these proteins, as well as genes connected to other pathways that control the response to BPs. We have collaborations with clinicians and human geneticists to understand how variations in these genes might explain the variable response in patients to these commonly prescribed, widely available drugs.
Another major line of research in the lab seeks to identify how the body controls phosphate (Pi) homeostasis. This response is key to mineral ion metabolism and overall endocrine health. Using cell culture models, including genome-wide CRISPR screens in bone cells, we are identifying genes that are necessary for sensing and responding to changes in extracellular Pi concentration. With in vivo animal models, we are connecting our findings to the broader program of organismal homeostasis, and identifying the connection between control of Pi homeostasis with control of central carbon metabolism. There are many exciting projects primed for further investigation that may be suited to future lab members? interests.
Mission Statement
MDentistry: advancing health through education, service, research and discovery.
MDentistry Core Values: Compassion, Leadership, Excellence, Responsibility, Trust, Creativity, Inclusion
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:
Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.
Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.
Who We Are
Located at the University of Michigan (on Anishinaabeg and Wyandot lands), our lab is seeking a curious and driven postdoctoral research fellow for a position in the lab of Dr. Lauren Surface. Research in the Surface Lab takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding how the body responds to drugs and bone minerals, in health and in diseased states, focusing on bone cells and their endocrine interactions with other organs such as the kidney. We integrate a variety of techniques including genome-wide CRISPR screens, genomic analyses, metabolic flux analysis, and mouse models of disease, to pursue our questions. We encourage lab members to follow the most impactful and interesting questions, using whatever techniques are necessary. Our research involves close collaborations across disciplines including with clinicians, chemical engineers, and pharmacogeneticists. We value and celebrate diversity in background, perspective, and experience, and strive to foster a lab environment where all voices (high school student to faculty) are valued and encouraged to contribute their creativity and passion.
Why Work at Michigan?
The School of Dentistry is consistently ranked as the #1 dental school in the United States and the world. We embrace diversity in many forms and champion diversity of thought and culture. Our Mission, core values, and additional information about our College can be found on our college website. The University of Michigan also offers comprehensive benefits to help you stay well and to support you as you plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave.
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions.
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Work-Life Programs to strengthen a workplace culture that supports personal and family life, including child care, elder care, lactation resources, and mental and emotional health services
Required Qualifications*
- Recent or anticipated PhD (or MD, DDS/PhD) in a relevant field
- Enthusiasm for learning and asking question
- Ability to work independently as well as in a group environment.
- Ability to mentor and guide others, including undergraduate scholars
- A belief in kindness and respect for others
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.