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Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to develop a research project investigating the neuroinflammatory consequences of alpha synuclein and tau protein aggregation in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, successful candidates will oversee projects investigating how the complement system contributes to alpha synuclein and tau mediated neurodegeneration.  Research projects will utilize a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and model systems and will be performed in a highly collaborative and innovative environment. Currently funded projects include:

1. use of postmortem human tissue to identify molecular drivers of complement mediated synaptic pruning in AD,
2. use of rodent models to identify molecules that regulate complement synaptic pruning following tauopathy,
3. testing the neuroprotective efficacy of novel gene therapies in rodent models of AD and PD, and
4. testing the neuroprotective effects of complement inhibition in a rodent model of PD. 

Projects in the Benskey lab involve expertise in advanced molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, microscopy, viral vector design and production, cell culture and in vivo animal modeling. The successful candidate will be trained in all techniques utilized in the research. The successful candidate will be expected to help with day-to-day operations in the laboratory, participate in collaborative experimental design, conduct independent research, perform data analysis, prepare manuscripts to publish results in peer reviewed journals, and present results at scientific conferences. The applicant will also gain experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, writing grant applications, and will have the opportunity to explore career options. This position is located in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, MI, in the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center on the Medical Mile where MSU and other local community partners are driving innovation and discovery on many facets of biomedical research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

Successful applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a biomedical research discipline which included at least 4 years of experience in a research laboratory. Applicants should be familiar with common biological laboratory research techniques and possess a fundamental understanding of neurobiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, animal and cell modeling, and/or neurodegenerative disease biology. Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound critical thinking skills, the ability to independently conduct research, fundamental comprehension of statistical analysis, and the ability to prepare results for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal and/or presentation at scientific conference. The applicant must work well in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment. At least one first author paper in a peer-reviewed journal is expected. 

Desired Qualifications

Experience/training in the field of neuroscience with a focus on neurodegenerative disease (e.g. Alzheimer's disease and/or Parkinson's disease), experience in molecular neurobiology and/or the field of proteinopathy/protein misfolding is highly desired. Applicants with experience in one or more of the following techniques will be favored: 1) Advanced molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g. molecular cloning, genetic overexpression, genetic silencing, protein-protein interaction analysis, viral vector production), 2) Advanced gene and protein analysis using rodent and/or human tissue (e.g. ddPCR/qRT