SBP is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease, and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health. For over 40 years, our research has produced breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, immunology and children’s diseases, and is anchored by our NCI-designated cancer center and advanced drug discovery capabilities.

The Xu laboratory has a POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE position available.  Dr. Xu's laboratory research efforts are focused on identifying the underlying causes of AD at a molecular level, which is currently poorly understood. By deciphering how AD is triggered and by understanding its progression, we may better identify methods to slow or prevent the effects of the disease. Our understanding of how AD progresses and facilitates neurodegeneration is dependent on our ability to decipher the neurodegenerative process as a whole. Using a combination of biochemical, molecular, histological/electrophysiological and behavioral analyses in cells, neurons and mouse neurodegenerative models, the lab seeks to understand how signaling pathways are affected in neurological disorders at the molecular level, and determine how this can affect neurological function in surrogate animal models of AD.  So far, the research of the Xu lab has led us to discover that many of the dysfunctional signaling systems seen in age-dependent neurological disorders have interdependent nodes of dysfunction in relation to AD. 

The Postdoc Associate’s research will contribute to the understanding of ES cell differentiation and xenotransplantation, and will be responsible for experimental design and execution of the proposed experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation and data presentation at national and international conferences.  They will also be responsible for training new scientists in these experimental techniques.  The research will include using CRISPR/Cas9 editing techniques to generate mutational ES line variants, differentiating microglia and astrocytes, and performing xenotransplantation of these cell types into mouse brain. They will also perform behavioral analysis to determine whether xenotransplantation of these cells can affect memory, and perform histological analyses to determine how these cell types interact with Abeta plaques, and determine neuroinflammatory status of these mice. The Postdoc Associate may also perform global analyses to determine how gene profiles are affected in xenotransplanted cell types, and recipient mouse neurons.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply online to the SBP career site by submitting one PDF document with a cover letter, CV, references and list of any publications or accomplishments. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently design and perform experiments and procedures with high degree of complexity, demonstrating increasing expertise with a wide range of techniques
• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting methods and skills according to evolving project priorities
• Provide independent experimental design and planning
• Be able to analyze and interpret data from different sources and draw relevant conclusions
• Demonstrate knowledge in relevant specialized disciplines
• Be able to present results at internal and external meetings
• Accurately document experiments
• Contribute to writing of reports and manuscripts with increasing responsibility over time
• Work collaboratively across lab functions and train other junior lab staff as needed
• Embody the Institute's core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

Required Skills Required Experience

• Ph.D. degree in Science is required
• Previous Postdoc training is not required

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• The ability to work independently and to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work in an interactive and collaborative team
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
• Possess strong attention to detail, analytical, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Embody the Institute's core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compassion

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability – committed to the hiring, advancement and fair treatment of all individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected status as designated by federal, state or local law.  For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of sales, business development, branch administration, and products and services.
• Knowledge of financial industry rules and regulations.
• Proven sales and service capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong customer services and problem solving skills.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and guidance to staff.
• Ability to integrate and communicate information on a one-on-one basis as well as in group situations and in writing.
• Ability to making sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.