Department
BSD NEU - Mastrianni Lab
About the Department
The Department of Neurology at The University of Chicago Medical Center has a great history and tradition, having made significant contributions to neurological training, clinical care, and the basic understanding of neurological disease.
Job Summary
The Research Scientist will support one of two projects in the laboratory, depending on the strengths and interests of the individual. An overarching goal of the lab is to define underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for distinct neurological disorders using a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. The knowledge gained from these studies will be applied to the development of therapeutic approaches. A current focus is the development and testing of an RNAi-based therapy for genetic forms of prion disease, which are neurodegenerative diseases due to the accumulation and propagation of misfolded prion protein (PrP). We have developed siRNAs that target only the mutated forms of PrP known to cause genetic prion disease in humans. We are currently using AAV vectors to deliver shRNA-encoding sequences to transgenic mice. The availability of a highly reliable genetic mouse model that was developed in our lab allows us to characterize the effects of this therapy on the well-characterized behavioral and histological phenotype of these mice. For this project, the Research Scientist will have demonstrated expertise in molecular and cell biological techniques across in vitro and in vivo systems that include, but are not limited to, molecular biological techniques required for the design, construction, and assessment of DNA sequences for expression of appropriate protein or RNA constructs, the application of PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting and other forms of protein analysis, immunohistochemical staining of cultured cells and human and animal-derived histological samples. It is also critical that this individual has experience in the application of appropriate tools for the quantitative analysis of cellular and histological data. Direct experience with siRNA, viral vectors, and CRISPR would be a plus.
Although the lab is primarily focused on prion diseases, there is also a significant effort directed at studying the role of PrP in Alzheimer’s Disease. We have uncovered a direct relationship between the expression of PrP and the generation and release of amyloid beta that forms the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s Disease. This relationship is present in cell lines that are stably transfected with normal or mutated amyloid precursor protein (APP), from which amyloid beta is generated. In addition, transgenic mice that express APP sequences are being bred with mice that express no, or high levels of PrP, to better study this relationship in vivo. Thus, in addition to having a strong background in the application of cellular and molecular biological techniques described above, experience in cell and/or animal models of Alzheimer’s Disease would be highly desirable for the candidate with an interest in this project.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.
Responsibilities
- Perform basic scientific research using a variety of techniques and approaches to gain a better understanding of neurological conditions using in vitro cell-based systems and genetic mouse model systems.
- Supervise Research Technician(s) that provide general technical support for all members of the laboratory.
- Assist and provide technical and general scientific advice to other members of the laboratory.
- Assist or lead in identifying and applying for sources of outside funding.
- Assist in preparing manuscripts and presentations at meetings.
- Recognize abnormal results and troubleshoot conditions or procedures to correct problems.
- Adapt existing procedures to current work needs and make significant contributions to methodology.
- Summarize results and assist in interpreting experimental findings.
- Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
- Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.
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Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Doctoral degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
Experience:
- Broad knowledge and demonstrated experience with molecular and cell biological techniques, including manipulating DNA constructs, cell transfections, application of PCR, RT-qPCR, protein analysis, ELISA, and MSD, cell and tissue staining and quantification using ImageJ tools.
- Experience in genetics, cell and tissue histological studies, application of immunohistochemical quantitation tools, and RNAi techniques (in vitro and in vivo).
Preferred Competencies
- Analytical skills.
- Problem-solving.
- Attention to detail.
- Organizational skills.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to publish first-author peer-reviewed papers.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
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