Postdoctoral Research Associate in Stem Cell-Derived Neuronal Models of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

The Weiss and Zeltner Labs at the University of Georgia's Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) are seeking a creative and enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow to drive research projects supported by a new NIH/NINDS award focused on developing novel stem cell-derived peripheral neuronal models of lysosomal storage disorders. This is a multidisciplinary project with enormous training opportunities in glycobiology, neuroscience, stem cell biology, and disease modeling of rare disease. The Weiss and Zeltner Laboratories collaborate to utilize a combination of biochemistry, stem cell biology, and neuroscience techniques to understand the underlying disease mechanisms of lysosomal storage disorders and develop new therapeutic approaches. This collaborative project offers a high potential for training, including disease modeling with iPSC-derived neurons, electrophysiology, flow cytometry, and isolation and characterization of glycans. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to design and evaluate experiments, develop new ideas and promote current research, and prepare and publish scientific manuscripts in collaboration with the Principal Investigators. The postdoctoral fellow may be responsible for the operation of scientific equipment and mentoring others, including training/supervision of students and staff.

Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, and renewal is expected if progress is satisfactory. Appointments cannot exceed five years.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in cell biology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Preference will be given to candidates who have hands-on experience with stem cell disease models, neuroscience, and/or lysosomal storage disorders. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively with colleagues..

 
Scientific Environment:

The CCRC at UGA is a unique and collaborative research center with 18 research teams all working together on glycoscience. The CMM is a research center focused on the molecular and cellular basis of human disease. The Weiss and Zeltner Labs are housed in the CCRC and adjacent CMM, respectively, and trainees have generous bench space and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation. Our labs are also part of the Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with strengths in structural biology, enzymology, and biotechnology.

Interested applicants should send their CV, a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, and contact information of three references to Dr. Ryan Weiss at [email protected]. For additional information, visit the Weiss and Zeltner lab websites. 

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]). 

Posted September 18, 2024