Postdoctoral Scholar: Tharin Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School

Dr. Suzanne Tharin, MD, PhD, is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Scholar to join a new, NIH-funded research laboratory at UMass Chan Medical School, an international leader in microRNA research. The lab's long-term goal is to understand the molecular controls over cortical neuronal development and regeneration, including stem cell-based strategies for spinal cord injury repair. Current work focuses on the role of microRNAs in shaping the development and regeneration of corticospinal motor neurons.

Potential Projects

Depending on the candidate's background and interests, potential projects include:

• Investigating microRNA controls over corticospinal motor neuron development, specifically examining how differentially expressed microRNAs direct differentiation between corticospinal motor neurons and callosal projection neurons
• Identifying the targets of differentially regulated microRNAs in corticospinal motor neurons and their downstream effects on dendritic morphology and neuron-subtype identity
• Studying the in vivo response of corticospinal motor neurons to differentially expressed microRNAs, and evaluating their potential roles in promoting cellular recovery and axon regeneration

Required Qualifications

• D., MD/Ph.D., or equivalent degree in Neuroscience or a closely related field
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, etc.) and mammalian cell culture
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• A strong drive to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in utero electroporation of embryonic mouse brain (highly desirable)
• Experience with in vivo rodent models, including stereotaxic surgeries, spinal cord injury models, and neural tracing techniques
• Familiarity with transcriptomic analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, miRNA-seq)

Details

• Funding: NIH-funded position
• Start date: Flexible
• Salary: Per NIH and UMass Chan pay scales
• To apply: Please email your CV and cover letter to Suzanne.Tharin@umassmed.edu