Postdoctoral Scholar - Neurology

Position Overview

Organization: Neurology

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Neurology

Position Details

Position Description

A postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the Davis Laboratory at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA. This position will encompass projects using model organism and human induced pluripotent stem cell modeling elucidating the role of endolysosomal trafficking, lipid metabolism and extracellular vesicles in accelerating neurodegenerative disease progression.

The Davis lab is interested in understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other aggregate-prone neurodegenerative diseases in order to identify novel therapeutic targets. To do this we use Drosophila and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients harboring genetic risk variants for PD. We are currently using Drosophila and human iPSC-derived neuron and astrocyte models of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) deficiency, as mutations in GBA increase risk for developing PD and accelerate disease progression. We are investigating how GBA mutations impair endolysosomal trafficking, and may accelerate propagation of pathogenic proteins in neurons via dysregulation of extracellular vesicles. We are examining how GBA influences both the production of EVs as well as endocytosis and processing of neuronal EVs by recipient astrocytes and neurons. We also collaborate with the Parkinson’s Genetic Research Study (PI Dr. Cyrus Zabetian) to translate findings from our fruit fly and in vitro models to PD patients. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to do research in a collaborative intellectual community involving Puget Sound VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), UW ISCRM, and UW Department of Neurology. Our lab applies a combination of stem cell biology, neurobiology, genetics, biochemistry and microscopy using Drosophila models and human iPSCs-derived neural and glial cell culture models.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website

The base salary range for this position will be $4,417 - $7,334 per month ($53,004 to $88,008 per year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may or may not include Startup, Relocation Incentive/Moving Allowance Administrative supplement for a defined administrative role, or Productivity Incentive.

This position is on an annual 12-month service period (July 1 - June 30). The anticipated start date is 6/1/23.

Qualifications

Completed PhD in a biomedical science or a related field, or a foreign equivalent. Have the ability to fulfill responsibilities listed below, and eligibility and willingness to apply for external postdoctoral funding including T32 or F32 NIH training grants or other independent funding sources.

Knowledge/ Skills necessary:

• Strong problem solving skills
• Effective communication with internal and external researchers
• Knowledge of genetics and/or neurobiology
• Ability to design and execute controlled experiments
• Effective scientific writing
• Reporting of research findings

Desirable Experience/Skills

• Familiarity with Drosophila
• Competence in molecular cloning
• Experience with cell culture, advanced microscopy, and immunoblotting.

Instructions

Applicants should upload Diversity Statement, a letter of interest, and CV.

apply.interfolio.com/102090

Also, send a single PDF containing a succinct statement summarizing your previous research experience, future research goals, and your CV to:

Marie Davis, MD PhD

[email protected]

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.