Summary
We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to oversee a project focused on investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurological complications of diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity, with an emphasis on peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment. In collaboration with other members of the research team, the fellow will contribute to the management, coordination, and implementation of in vitro and in vivo initiatives within the laboratory focused on specific mechanisms underlying peripheral and central nervous system damage. This individual will direct and perform technical aspects of the research program and supervise team members and students in project implementation. Adherence to laboratory regulatory policies and training compliance is essential. This individual must also be an effective scientific communicator, with a strong scientific background in molecular biology, scientific techniques, and application to disease research. An interest in supporting a fast-paced, cutting-edge neurological complications research program is required.
Responsibilities*
40% Design, perform, and interpret mechanism-based studies using complementary in vivo and in vitro models to facilitate research discoveries with translational potential for neurological complications of diabetes. Experiments include animal work, in vivo drug studies, phenotyping, gene expression, mitochondrial function assays, biochemistry, and immunocytochemistry.
15% Characterize peripheral and central metabolic reprogramming in the diabetic environment, including testing direct substrate utilization, mitochondrial efficiency, mitochondrial biogenesis, enzyme activities, protein expression, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
15% Contribute to biological interpretation/integration of RNA-seq and lipidomics bioinformatics output from multiple mouse models of diabetes and their complications to design in vitro experiments characterizing changes in lipid metabolism and cellular signaling in response to the diabetic environment. Experiments will use primary glial and neuronal cultures and include gene silencing/overexpression, lentiviral transfection, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, western immunoblotting, immunofluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
20% Establish a knowledgebase of current literature in the field; prepare grant applications and manuscripts for research conducted.
5% Support mentorship of undergraduate students and technical personnel.
5% Present work at scientific seminars and conferences.
Required Qualifications*
- Strong oral and communication skills required, with a minimum of 2 peer-reviewed articles demonstrating a scientific background in biological science.
- Must have a positive, collaborative, and flexible attitude suitable for working in a large academic laboratory environment.
- Must be interested in supporting fast-paced, cutting-edge research.
- Must have excellent planning, organizational and work coordination skills.
- Computer skills required including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Graph Pad Prism and Power point) and basic understanding of bioinformatics analysis and biological pathways (programming is not required).
- A minimum of two recommendation letters or references is required.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience in molecular biology, sample collection, processing, and analysis preferred.
- Familiarity with genetic modification in vitro preferred.
- A background in neuroscience and/or diabetes research is desired.
- Experience with mouse handling and breeding.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.