West Virginia University Research Corporation is seeking applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow with the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience

About the Opportunity

The laboratory of Martin Hruska, Ph.D., in the Department of Neuroscience at West Virginia University and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown, WV, is seeking a highly motivated and creative post-doctoral researcher for the NIH-funded position related to structural and molecular mechanisms of synaptic remodeling during neurodegeneration and following an injury such as stroke. While the successful candidate's interest will be fitted with the laboratory interests, we are particularly looking to fill the position to investigate the nanoscale mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

The efforts of the Hruska lab focus on investigating the complex biology of synapses and its implication for synaptic function in health and disease. We are interested in identifying molecular principles that underlie the emergence of synaptic diversity in the brain. Additionally, we investigate the molecular basis of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, using stroke as a model, we investigate the remarkable ability of synapses to recover lost function after injury. We use a combination of approaches that include molecular manipulation of individual synapses, biochemistry, and super-resolution imaging to address questions about how molecular landscapes of synapses underlie synaptic function. We have taken advantage of state-of-the-art stimulated-emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy to examine how pre- and post-synaptic molecules are linked across the synaptic cleft and how this exquisite nano-organization changes with the structural plasticity or with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. We use STED in both fixed preparations and living cells to understand how dynamic changes in synaptic nanoarchitecture underlie structural plasticity. To this end, we also focus on building tools and reagents, including CRISPR DNA editing, that allows us to track synaptic molecules in real time.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our lab website: . Candidates with leadership capabilities who thrive in a highly interactive environment are encouraged to apply.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:
* 13 paid holidays ()
* PTO
* 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
* A range of
* Dependent Education Scholarship
* WVU Perks
* And More!!

What you'll do:

• We seek highly self-motivated and creative post-doctoral researchers, particularly those who recently acquired Ph.D. or M.D. Candidates should have in-depth knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, high-resolution imaging, and electrophysiology.
• Perform laboratory analyses related to in vitro and in vivo imaging with special emphasis on STED super-resolution microscopy. Therefore, prior knowledge of super-resolution techniques is a plus.
• The incumbent will also ensure that a high standard of organization and academic integrity is maintained in the laboratory.
• Conduct literature reviews, collect and present data, participate in data analysis and manuscript preparation, and present their research at national and international conferences.

• M.D. or PhD in neuroscience or related field
• 0-6 months experience in imaging of fixed and living tissue and ability to analyze and interpret the findings
• Writing and publishing manuscripts
  
• Understanding and communicating science with PI and the scientific community thru presentations and peer-reviewed publications
• Perform experiments involving cell culturing, confocal and STED imaging, western blotting, PCR, immunocytochemistry, and histology
• Perform imaging assays in vitro and whole animals to measure synaptic activity/plasticity and cellular functions
• Perform detailed quantification of confocal and STED images
• Detailed understanding of statistical analyses for interpreting results from acquired data
• Remain current on laboratory procedures, recognizing new techniques and quicker analyses; develop regulatory protocols as such; ensure that lab activities are performed in compliance with departmental, University, state, and federal regulations
• Conduct data collection/storage/interpretation/summaries, write reports, and present findings
• Review scientific literature for background in experimental techniques to determine optimal procedures and techniques for projects, contribute to the analysis of project outcomes, and manuscript preparation
• Ability to write a code using java, python or other computer language
• Knowledge of quality assurance related to experimental procedures
• Capability to assist in developing research protocols and procedures
• Educating graduate students and technicians, lab personnel
• Ability to foresee shortcomings, pitfalls and research gaps and troubleshoot to avoid delays in project progress

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC's mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.