POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR, EDSON FOUNDATION

Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Edson Foundation

Arizona State University: Office of the Executive Vice President Knowledge

Enterprise: Biodesign

Institute: ASU Banner NDRC

Location

Tempe, Arizona

Open Date

Feb 11, 2021

Description

We invite applications for one Edson Foundation Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center (NDRC) at Arizona State University. The goal of the Edson foundation is to fund a postdoctoral candidate in the field of dementia. As an umbrella term, dementia encompasses many different memory-associated diseases. One of the most difficult positions we have in the field is the fact that very few individuals have just one disease. In fact, it is more common for people to have a primary cause (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) but also have pathological feature of other neurological conditions (e.g., Lewy Bodies). A major focus of this postdoctoral candidate will be to come up with and help generate new imaginative ways to address the issue of comorbidity among neurodegenerative diseases. For example, are comorbidities matched to a specific molecular signature? As a prestigious Edson Postdoctoral Research Scholar, you will have a primary mentor in the NDRC, but will have the opportunity to

collaborate with other investigators. The NDRC prides itself on producing high impactful research through collaborations. The selected candidate will work on projects related to identifying novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and other disease of the brain that have overlapping pathology (e.g., Lewy Bodies). This will primarily include human post-mortem tissue from the renowned Banner

Sun Health Research Institute, which is arguably the best brain bank in the world. The applicant will have access to clinical and pathologically confirmed autopsy tissues and clinical reports. In addition to human work, some rodent work may be necessary. The position we take in our lab is that we find specific molecular signatures associated with disease in humans first, then we determine if rodent models can recapitulate our human findings. The fellow will have the opportunity to bring to the table their own ideas. This will not be a postdoctoral position where you are told exactly what to do. It is imperative that the applicant uses the knowledge he/she has gained to complement the work of the center. Our end goal is to help develop the next generation of great scientist, and great thinkers. This will be a highly competitive position, but accolades alone are not the determining factor.

We will begin reviewing applications March 11, 2021 and will continue to review incoming applications on a biweekly basis until the position is filled. Applicants must apply via http://apply.interfolio.com/84201 (emailed applications will not be accepted)

Essential Duties

• Use of microscopy, confocal imaging, image analysis, and molecular biology methods including

PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques.

• Applicant will be expected to prepare manuscripts and also review submitted manuscripts.
• Applicant will be expected to assist with the preparation (brainstorming) and writing of grant proposals. We fully

expect that by year two the applicant will be able to start applying for smaller research grants to carry out some their

own ideas.

• Coordinate among team members, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and actively participate in journal clubs and lab meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. by May 31st, 2021 in neuroscience, neurobiology, and/or in a biomedical field to be considered.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong background in bioinformatics and data analysis. The applicant must be experienced in Array, RNA sequencing, and DNA methylation analysis.
• The ideal candidate must be highly motivated and have prior experience in neurobiology and neuroanatomy, with a strong focus in Neurodegenerative disease.
• Candidates must have a strong background in wet lab techniques such as immunohistochemistry, immunoblots, tissue homogenization and qPCR. Candidates must also possess a strong background in biostatistics; having bioinformatics expertise is a plus.
• The candidate will be motivated to learn skills that implement a multidisciplinary approach. The candidate must be a team player, as collaborations are a key driver to produce impactful research at the NDRC.

Application Instructions

Applicants are responsible for including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three professional references in their application through the Interfolio website. Emailed applications will not be accepted. 

Application deadline is March 11, 2021. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Working Environment

• Regular activities require ability to manage multiple tasks at one time, to be able to prioritize tasks; to manage conflict; to interact in a team environment; and to communicate through verbal and written work.
• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting and laboratory subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see and hear to perform essential functions.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment before entering laboratories such as lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, closed toe shoes, and respirator.

Department Statement

For the fifth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all five years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

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