Title: Postdoctoral fellow � Neurodegeneration
Department: Pathology
Supervisor Name and Title: Dr. Tian Liu, Ph.D.
I. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a key position within the lab and will be responsible for planning and executing experiments in close collaboration with the PI. The lab is working closely together with other PIs in Pathology and the School of Medicine, including collaborations with multidisciplinary teams. The qualified candidate will prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data, background, significance, and experimental design for grant proposals.
The focus of the current position is neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The goal is to discover novel molecular mechanisms that could be targeted to develop new therapeutic approaches. Regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, amyloid beta pathogenesis, tauopathy, and TDP-43 pathology are key areas of attention. The work will involve experimental techniques ranging from basic cell and molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, to cell culture, animal studies, and patient samples. Experience with mouse models, zebrafish models, and primary neuron culture is required. The candidate will work independently and should be competent to read the literature, assist with the designing and planning of projects, and carry out research on the assigned project. Expected to apply for/secure training fellowships.
II. TECHNICAL SKILLS
1. Design, plan, and carry out experiments in collaboration with PI. Provide assistance and work closely with staff, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students, ensuring projects are being completed according to the research plan. Advise/Assist in developing improved techniques, project methods, or procedures.
2. Oversee general lab operations, including inventory, lab organization, and maintain certain equipment/facilities. Must demonstrate compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations of the Animal Resource Center, IACUC, Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, and other applicable regulatory guidelines for which essential training will be provided.
3. Analyze and record results. Assist in manuscript preparation.
4. Perform/supervise rodent husbandry, including breeding, genotyping, and maintaining an accurate animal database.
5. Present results in laboratory meetings and other scientific meetings.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.
III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Train and oversee rotation students and other research staff
IV. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Ph.D in biological sciences with hands-on experience in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and mouse work.
V. YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Ph.D with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research ability in the form of lead author publications.
Higher experience will be considered for the Research Associate position.
VI. PROPOSED SALARY RANGE � As per NIH scale
DESIRABLE SKILLS
1. Ability to work well with others and to work independently, strictly following directions and protocols.
2. Ability to collect and analyze data with attention to detail and do multiple tasks simultaneously.
3. Effective oral and written communication skills. Must be able to effectively communicate with the PI/supervisor as well as other lab members.
4. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.
5. Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, and follow-through on assigned tasks.
6. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.
7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
8. Good problem-solving skills; must demonstrate good analytical skills, sound judgment, and good decision-making.
9. Ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
10. Ability to operate laboratory equipment and learn to operate new instruments
11. Familiarity with the policies and procedures of lab and chemical safety
12. Knowledge in Microsoft Office, database applications, and internet navigation.
13. Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and software programs as needed.
14. Ability to organize, maintain, and prepare accurate records
15. Must be willing to adjust working hours according to the nature of ongoing experiments, and many times work extended hours to finish the experiments. Working on weekends and holidays may be required depending on the ongoing experiments and the need to accelerate data generation and manuscript and grant preparations.
16. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
17. Self-driven effort in terms of thinking, planning, and working is expected.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be provided. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required depending on project needs.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants may send inquiries containing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications and contact information with references to the Principal Investigator, Tian Liu at email [email protected]
EEO statement
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [email protected]. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.