Position Summary

Research Associate, Postdoctoral researcher, positions available to work Dr. Kanaan on tau protein biology and pathobiology, as well as Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

The Research Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher, will be expected to develop a research project that is focused on aspects of tau biology and pathobiology, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in the context of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Opportunities exist to study this area through a diverse set of approaches and model systems. Ongoing funded projects include:

1. molecular mechanisms of tau-mediated neuronal toxicity,
2. impact of post-translational modifications and pathogenic conformational changes in tau protein,
3. use of rodent models to study tau's role in dysfunction and degeneration,
4. use of post-mortem human tissue samples to identify key pathological changes in tau,
5. the development of novel tau biomarker assays for biofluids,
6. generation of novel monoclonal antibodies against specific forms of tau and other target proteins of interest.

The projects involve expertise in advanced molecular, biochemical, histological, and microscopy techniques, as well as in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal model techniques.

Duties will include:

1. helping in the day-to-day operations of the lab,
2. collaborative experimental design,
3. conducting independent research,
4. data analysis,
5. presenting data at conferences,
6. writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The applicant will also gain exposure in mentoring graduate students and have the opportunity to explore career options.

This position is located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, MI, in the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center on the Medical Mile where MSU and other local community partners are driving innovation and discovery on many facets of biomedical research.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Molecul

Minimum Requirements

• The position requires a doctoral degree in a biomedical research discipline which included at least 4 years of experience in a research laboratory.
• Individual should be familiar with common biological laboratory research techniques and have an understanding of neurobiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, animal and cell modeling, and/or neurodegenerative disease biology.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate his or her critical thinking skills, experience independently conducting research studies, fundamental statistical analysis, and the preparation of results for publication as a scientific manuscript and presentations at scientific conferences.
• The applicant must work well in a team-oriented environment.
• At least one first author paper in a peer-reviewed journal is expected.
• Good command of spoken and written English is a requirement.

Desired Qualifications

• Training in the discipline of neuroscience with a focus on molecular neuroscience, neurological diseases (e.g. the field of Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies) and/or protein misfolding is highly desired.
• Experience with one or more of the following techniques is also desired:  

1. 1. advanced molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques such as cloning, gene regulation, recombinant protein, protein and post-translational modification analyses, gene knockdown approaches;
   2. cell culture modeling and analysis, including immortal cell lines and rodent primary neuron cultures, live-cell imaging, transfection and/or viral transduction, and synaptic analyses;
   3. small rodent studies, including husbandry, stereotaxic surgical procedures, behavioral (motor and/or cognitive) analyses, gene therapy-based approaches to express or knockdown genes, and necropsy;
   4. human and rodent tissue processing, fresh tissue biochemistry assays and fixed tissue immunohistochemical assays (including multi-label immunoflourescence);
   5. advanced microscopy techniques, including stereological analysis, transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy and/or standard brightfield/fluorescence microscopy; and/or
   6. monoclonal antibody production, validation and application in biochemical and immunohistological assays.

• All applicants should have an understanding and experience applying statistical analysis including familiarity with R or similar statistical computing programs are a benefit.
• Highly competitive applicants will have multiple authorships including at least 1-3 first-author manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Required Application Materials

Curriculum Vitae, Names of 3 or more references, 1-2 page statement highlighting past accomplishments and future research and career goals.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/24/2020

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue

Website

http://translationalscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.