Postdoctoral Associate (Neurodegenerative Diseases) - LaVoie Lab

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description:

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the LaVoie Lab in the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease at the McKnight Brain Institute. The overall goal of the LaVoie Lab is to elucidate the earliest molecular events responsible for adult onset neurodegenerative diseases. The lab approaches these devastating disorders from both the perspective that specific inherited gene mutations linked to familial forms can provide valuable insight, as well as maintaining a focus on aspects of the far more common sporadic forms. The research is funded and directed by Professor Matthew LaVoie in the Department of Neurology and the lab employs a diverse array of state-of-the-art tools to accomplish these goals including a series of novel knockin animal models, iPSC-based neuronal and glial cultures, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.

The successful applicant would join a team studying familial Parkinson's disease centered on pathogenic mutations in the Parkin and LRRK2 genes. Parkin is a ubiquitin E3 ligase which is highly expressed in neurons. Autosomal recessive, loss-of-function mutations in the Parkin gene are associated with an often early onset form of Parkinson’s disease. The appointment represents a superb training opportunity to learn/apply skills in cell culture, iPSC maintenance and differentiation, and primary cell culture work from novel mouse models. High content image analysis, along with a diverse array of biochemical assays will be used routinely.

The LaVoie Lab is located in a dynamic neuroscience research atmosphere that includes the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, the Biomedical Sciences Center, the Center for Neurogenetics, the McKnight Brain Institute and the Fixel Institute for Neurologic Disorders. The successful applicant will join dedicated, experienced and highly motivated researchers and collaborators. The research is fast-paced and exciting, the laboratories are modern and well-equipped, and there are superb opportunities for advanced training in relevant techniques.

The University of Florida is a top-tier research university with $900 million of annual research funding. The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report recognizes UF among the nation's top five public universities. UF Health is the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center, unique for our diverse constellation of health colleges, centers and institutes, and our hospitals, faculty practices and patient care programs.

Gainesville is a vibrant city in Alachua County and serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the North Central Florida region. The city is known for its nature parks, sporting events, museums, mild winters and warm summers. Being centrally located makes Gainesville easily situated for day trips to beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and to theme parks including Disney World, and other cities including Orlando and Tampa.

Expected Salary:

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements:

A recent Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D., and experience in a field directly relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. Applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience in the collection and analysis of data.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a:

• Strong record of productivity from previous training.
• High level of independence in the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications should include a CV, cover letter of intent, and a list of 3 references with contact information. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled. Questions may be directed to Dr. Matthew LaVoie at matthew.lavoie@neurology.ufl.edu ; however, applications must be submitted online.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

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. We are committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

This position was originally posted under requisition #65073. All previous applicants do not need to reapply.

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Health Assessment Required:
Yes