Research Fellow Bwh Neurology

Research Fellow BWH Neurology

This is an exciting opportunity for a PhD/MD level researcher to join the Baecher-Allan human immunology laboratory to study immunological facets of multiple neurological diseases. The postdoctoral fellow will carry out and design experiments focused on understanding the unique function, transcription, and regulation exhibited by T cells, Tregs (regulatory T cells), monocytes, and other immune cells in neurological diseases of neurodegeneration (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - ALS, Alzheimer’s Disease - AD), neuro-autoimmunity (multiple sclerosis - MS) and depression (Bipolar disorder - BD). The Fellow is anticipated to have received or has a PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent doctorate. Working under the supervision of the primary investigator and alongside other research personnel, he/she is encouraged to publish the results of his or her research. The Fellow will receive training, professional development and mentorship during the appointment period of no longer than 5 years.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The applicant will examine how T cells (CD4, CD8, Tregs) are functionally distinct if isolated from samples from patients with neurologic diseases (ALS, AD, BD and MS) differ from those isolated from healthy donors for many cellular and molecular parameters, when tested alone and with interaction with additional immune cells. Transcriptome analyses via single cell RNA-Seq, low-input bulk RNA Seq, and qPCR analysis, will identify mechanisms of dysfunction. These studies will lead increasing our understanding the role(s) that specific immune cells play in these neurological diseases.

The applicant will perform isolation of highly pure cell populations, examine function in in vitro assays, and perform molecular perturbations to establish mechanism using genetic techniques (shRNA, siRNA or CRISPR) for validation. The use of complete coverage shRNA libraries is also an option. These procedures will identify unique pathways or gene expression that contributes to pathogenic immune activity in neurological disease. These direct clinical translational studies will allow us to identify novel molecules and pathways that contribute to loss of homeostasis in depression linked cognitive decline, neuro-autoimmunity and neurodegeneration.

The postdoctoral fellow will research, develop, design, execute and interpret research experiments, as outlined below:

• The goals are to examine T cell, B cell and monocyte activities in patients with neurological disease to identify altered activities as compared to the same cells isolated from healthy donors, and perform molecular analyses to identify the bases for the observed functional alterations.
• The applicant will become independent and be able to effectively train others including associated research technicians.
• The applicant is expected to understand molecular methodology, and human immunological cellular procedures. Previous experience with tissue culture would be advantageous, and experience with the generation of pluripotent stem cells with neuronal differentiation is a plus.
• Examine how T cell/Treg function is affected by the presence of other potential dysfunctional cell types, and examine the roles of antigen specific activation, metabolism, death, and regulation (by co-isolated Tregs) in cells isolated from patients with neurological diseases.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.