Postdoctoral Research Opportunities
Cell & Developmental Biology and Neuroscience
Photoreceptor Cell Biology
Phototransduction in retinal photoreceptors requires highly efficient trafficking of the proteins of the phototransduction machinery. Recently, it has become clear that an ancient, highly conserved microtubule based motility system called intraflagellar transport is required for such trafficking in photoreceptors. A postdoctoral position is available to study the role of this pathway in turnover of the phototransduction system in vertebrates. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of kinesin II, dynein 2, and the IFT proteins within the photoreceptor sensory cilium and the identification of cell specific cargo for IFT. The work requires application of biochemical, molecular and cell biological techniques using photoreceptors from mammals (murine and bovine).
Circadian Biology
A postdoctoral position is available to study the molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in the retina and other peripheral circadian oscillators such as liver with an emphasis on post-transcriptional pathways. There are two current directions: One relates to the roles of mRNA degradation and protein degradation through the proteasomal pathway shaping the down side of clock gene expression. Targeted mutations in the clock-regulated genes Nocturnin (encoding a MRNA deadenylase) and Usp2 (encoding a ubiquitin protease) genes serve as genetic models for these pathways. The other area relates to the role of functional deficits in clock activity as a cause of neurodegeneration in the retina. This involves use of targeted mutations deleting the specific circadian clock genes Per1, Per2, Per3 and Clock and analysis of the consequences circadian deficits on retinal degeneration. These genes are regarded as risk factors for age related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
Interested individuals should mail, FAX or e-mail a copy of their CV, references and a description of research ideas related to this project and career goals to Joseph Besharse, PhD at the following address:
Joseph C. Besharse, PhD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509
USA
FAX: 414-955-6517
E-mail: jbeshars@mcw.edu
Chromatin Remodeling During Liver Development
A postdoctoral position is available to study the mechanisms by which chromatin is unfolded and remodeled during gene regulation in the developing and adult liver. Specific research projects focus on how the initial “pioneer” chromatin binding transcription factor FoxO1 cooperates with other liver-enriched transcription factors to dictate gene regulatory events crucial to hepatocyte differentiation and function through chromatin remodeling. Additional information about current research in the laboratory and a list of recent publications are available at www.mcw.edu/cellbiology/lisacirillophd.htm.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, interactive, well-organized person with a PhD. and a strong background in Developmental and Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. Previous experience in the culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is helpful but not essential. Interested individuals should mail, email or fax their CV, a description of their research interests, and the names of three references to:
Lisa Ann Cirillo, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Phone: 414-955-4694
FAX: 414-955-6517
Email: lcirillo@mcw.edu
Mammalian Embryonic Development
A postdoctoral position is available to a highly motivated and ambitious individual with a background in development or cell biology. Experience in handling mice, molecular and cell biology techniques, as well as having strong communicative skills is advantageous. The successful candidate will join an existing team of postdocs and graduate students and will choose from a variety of projects that address the molecular underpinnings of mammalian embryonic development. In addition, we are initiating studies with human embryonic stem cells and individuals with experience in ES cell manipulation should consider applying. The successful candidate will receive training in advanced transgenic and molecular genetic procedures and will be given the opportunity to develop independent research projects. Individuals who intend to follow a career in academic science are especially encouraged to apply.
Send or fax CV, references, and description of research ideas and interests to Stephen A. Duncan, D Phil at the address or FAX below.
Stephen A. Duncan, D Phil
Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509
USA
FAX: 414-955-6517
E-mail: duncans@mcw.edu
Synaptic Plasticity
A postdoctoral position is available for an enthusiastic, hard-working individual to develop innovative research programs in the area of synaptic plasticity. The successful candidate will carry out pharmacological and structural-functional studies on recombinant receptors expressed in organotypic hippocampal cultures or in vivo. The laboratory has a strong multidisciplinary vocation. State-of-the-art electrophysiology and imaging technologies will be combined with molecular biology approaches in order to understand how individual molecules contribute to neuronal function.
Applicants should have a good background on molecular biology and/or electrophysiology. Experience in cellular biology techniques and animal handling are also desirable, but extensive training will be provided.
Send or fax your CV and references to Nashaat Gerges, PhD at the address or FAX below.
Nashaat Gerges, PhD
Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy
8701 Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509
USA
FAX: 414-955-6517
E-mail: ngerges@mcw.edu
Photochemotherapy
A postdoctoral position is available immediately to study a novel class of anti-cancer agents (cytotoxic selenium-protein conjugates). The project will involve (1) an assessment of the safety and efficacy of cytotoxic selenium-protein conjugates in preclinical models of human cancer, (2) investigations into the molecular mechanism of action, and (3) a quantitative analysis of synergistic and antagonistic interactions of selenium-protein conjugates with other anti-cancer drugs. The position requires a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree, a formal background in cell biology, pharmacology, immunology, molecular biology, and/or medicine, and a willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Experience in tissue culture and murine models of human cancer, experimental bone marrow transplantation, and/or drug interactions is desirable.
Mail or fax CV and names and addresses of 3 references to:
Fritz Sieber, PhD
Department of Pediatrics
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plan Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509
USA
FAX: 414-955-6543
E-mail: fsieber@mail.mcw.edu
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer