Jobs
Postdoctoral Scholar
Posted 28 Aug 2024
Employer
Stanford University
Location
Stanford, California
Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator
Birgitt Schuele
Contact
Applicants should submit their CV, a letter outlining interest and motivations, and names and contact information of two references to bschuele@stanford.edu.
Description
Stanford is seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral scholar to contribute to a cutting-edge research project focused on brain resilience using human iPSC models and multi-omics approaches.
This collaborative project will be conducted within the Departments of Pathology and Neurology & Neurological Sciences.
About the Project:
Brain resilience refers to the capacity to resist adverse outcomes despite significant risk factors. In late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is recognized as the most significant genetic risk factor. Individuals carrying one copy of APOE4 have approximately a fourfold increased risk of developing AD, while those with two copies face a 15-fold increased risk compared to carriers of the ApoE3 allele. Despite this, a subset of APOE4 carriers exhibits resilience, maintaining cognitive function despite the presence of disease pathology.
This research project aims to develop human iPSC-derived cell types of the central nervous system from APOE4 donors associated with both risk and resilience. Researchers will perform comprehensive multi-omic and functional profiling of these cell cultures to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying resilience in APOE4 carriers.
The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY25 minimum is $73,800.
Stanford University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. It welcomes applications from women, members of minority groups, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring additional dimensions to the university's research and teaching mission.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ph.D. in neuroscience, life sciences
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Extensive tissue culture laboratory experience (at least one year) is required. Good laboratory practices and sterile culture techniques are critical.
- Ability to undertake and complete large research projects and communicate findings to the field as demonstrated by first author publications in respected journals and oral conference presentations.
- Experience culturing and maintaining human iPSCs, neuronal and/or microglia differentiation using iPSCs, and culturing and assaying neuronal cultures (human iPSC-derived neurons).
- Experience with immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and image analysis is strongly preferred. Experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, protein extraction, and Western blot.
- General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
- Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- Ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
- The candidate should be able to work independently, be highly motivated, collaborative, well organized, adaptable and work well within an interdisciplinary and international team.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential.