Postdoctoral Associate – Translational Neuroscience (57495)

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Laboratories of Neurogenetics & Neuroscience (LNN) in the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida. The research is funded and directed by Prof. Matt Farrer, in Department of Neurology. Over the past 20 years, our team has helped define the genetic etiology of neurodegeneration, has developed and characterized several insightful models to successfully advance novel therapeutics into clinical trials. The successful applicant would join a team studying the neurobiology / pathophysiology underlying the major genetic determinants of Parkinson’s disease. The appointment represents a superb training opportunity to learn/apply a variety of molecular, cellular and physiological neuroscience techniques, for new Fellows or for Senior Fellows looking to make the transition to an independent Faculty appointment.

The current opportunities relate to the novel discovery of pathogenic mutations in LRRK2 and VPS35 as a cause of late-onset familial parkinsonism (Zimprich A. et al., 2004; Vilarino-Guell C. et al., 2011, 2014), and from the discovery of genetic modifiers of age-of-onset (Trinh J et al., 2016; Lai D et al., in press). The successful applicant will to focus on techniques to explore and rectify subtle, mutant-specific deficits in synaptic and endosomal trafficking. A variety of tools and models have been already developed to accelerate the work, including human iPSCs and conditional cre-loxP transgenic mice (Beccano-Kelly DA et al., 2014a,b; Munsie LN et al., 2014; Volta M et al., 2017; Cataldi S et al., 2018).

LNN is located in a vibrant neuroscience research atmosphere, including the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, the Biomedical Science Center, the McKnight Brain Institute and the Fixel Institute for Neurologic Disorders. The laboratories are modern and well-equipped, and the successful applicant will join dedicated, experienced and highly motivated teams of neurogeneticists and neurobiologists. Our joint ambition is to slow and/or prevent this progressive neurological disorder, and through a precise understanding of its molecular etiology. The work is fast-paced and exciting, at the cutting edge of molecular insights into neurologic disease.

This requisition will be used to fill multiple positions.

Applicants will have a recent PhD, MD or MD/PhD, and experience in a field directly relevant to translational neuroscience. Applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience in the collection and analysis of data. Preferred applicants have a strong record of productivity from previous training. They must have a high level of independence in the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The position is initially available for one year with the possibility of annual extensions. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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 position is filled. Questions may be directed to Dr. Matt Farrer at m.farrer@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.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an 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 educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the 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. 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).

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