Postdoctoral Associate Position in Mechanisms of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy with Aging and Disease

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Russell T. Hepple in the Department of Physical Therapy & Myology Institute at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will join an active research group investigating the mechanisms by which mitochondria are involved in causing muscle atrophy with aging and age-related diseases such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This new position is funded by a Florida Health grant from the James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program that is examining the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mediating the muscle pathology induced by chronic exposure to tobacco smoke.

Position details : The successful candidate will perform in-depth mitochondrial function assessments in isolated mitochondria, saponin-permeabilized muscle fiber bundles, and single isolated muscle fibers, and/or cell/molecular studies in mouse models. This position requires participation in experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, preparation of oral and written scientific reports, assisting in preparation of materials for grant applications, and active participation in other laboratory activities (laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, conferences, etc).

The Myology Institute ( http://myology.institute.ufl.edu ): We work in a highly interactive environment, with multiple independently funded research programs focused on skeletal muscle biology in health and disease. Specific areas of research cover the gamut from fundamental research, to the translational, to human clinical trials. Major research areas include collaborations in mechanisms of muscle impairment with aging and disease (Drs. Hepple, Ryan, Esser, LaPierre, Barton, Judge, Ferreira, Powers, Smuder, Clanton, Wang), and neuromuscular disease (Sweeney, Barton, Walter, Forbes, Vandenborne, Taivassalo, Kopinke).

The University of Florida : Over the past 5-8 years, the state of Florida invested over 1.5 billion dollars to advance the University of Florida. As a result, UF is now the 6th ranked public university in America (US News & World Report). The Hepple laboratory is located in the Biomedical Sciences Building. The UF Health Science Center brings the Myology Institute, Shands Hospital, and the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health and Health Professions, Veterinary Medicine & Pharmacy into close proximity, fostering cross-college collaborations. The city of Gainesville is a university town with a relatively low cost of living, a high quality of life, and a location ~2 hours from 3 major cities (Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville).

Minimum Requirements: A PhD (or equivalent) is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Although a range of backgrounds will be considered, highly motivated individuals with strong backgrounds in physiology, cell & molecular biology, striated muscle biology and mitochondrial biology are encouraged to apply. Evidence of scientific productivity and effective written and oral communication skills is required. We will provide relevant training in mitochondrial function assessment, single muscle fiber isolations, immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy as required.

Interested applicants should submit the following items as part of their online applications: curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests & career goals, a letter of interest, and the names and contact information of 3 references.

Individuals with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

For questions about the position, please contact:

Russell T. Hepple, PhD

Professor of Muscle Biology

Department of Physical Therapy

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL, USA 32610

Email: rthepple@ufl.edu

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

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