Postdoctoral Researcher -Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy

About the role

A postdoctoral position is available at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to study cell biology of neurons, synapses and neurodegenerative diseases. One of research goals is to understand factors and mechanisms causing synapse loss in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This project will examine neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity using electrophysiological approaches or super-resolution imaging. The group also utilizes molecular biology, cell biology, live-cell imaging, EM, multi-omics, and mouse disease models. In addition to synapse degeneration, insulin-secretion deficiency in diabetes is another focus of research. (See https://www.mcw.edu/departments/cell-biology-neurobiology-and-anatomy/people/xuelin-lou-phd ). Applicants should have research skills in the relevant field, sufficient research independence and communication skills. Relevant publications in the related field or experience with patch-clamp experiments are critical. Desirable expertise can be in a) patch-clamp recordings from acute brain slices/cell cultures, b) super-resolution imaging, or c) synapse degeneration studies. The position provides opportunities to develop innovative research skills and scientific discoveries in a collaborative setting. The PI is committed to mentoring young scientists and nurturing creative thinking and scholarship. The laboratory is in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy at the main campus of MCW, a vibrant private medical school on the west shore of Lake Michigan. All applicants with relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and application review will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply through the MCW portal, and send a single pdf file including applicant's CV, research plan (one-page) and three reference letters to xulou@mcw.edu for attention. Primary Responsibilities Plan and perform experiments with strong independence. Analyze data and summarize research findings. Develop new research methods as needed. Contribute to collaborative projects. help and supervise junior team members. Other duties as assigned Knowledge - Skills - Abilities Required knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics Documentation, records management and data utilization skills Complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management Writing skills