Medical University South Carolina

Job Description Summary

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. This position focuses on investigating the role of tau phosphorylation and p-tau pathology in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CVECs) and their contribution to brain aging and AD pathogenesis. The successful candidate will leverage a systems biology approach and cutting-edge technologies—including cellular and molecular biology techniques, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial proteomics, RNAscope, neuropathology, super-resolution confocal microscopy, and AD animal models—to investigate how non-neuronal mechanisms, particularly GSK3β-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation in CVECs, contribute to AD pathology and cognitive decline in preclinical models.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC001002 COM PATH Basic Research CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Postdoctoral Fellow in P-tau Pathology in Endothelial Cells and Their Contribution to Brain Aging and AD Pathogenesis Research

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. This position focuses on investigating the role of tau phosphorylation and p-tau pathology in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CVECs) and their contribution to brain aging and AD pathogenesis. In the US alone, 6 million individuals are affected by AD and related dementia. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 14 million, underscoring the urgent need to develop effective treatments. The repeated failures of clinical trials targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, a crucial component in AD pathology, highlight the urgent need to explore other aspects of AD. Recent studies have identified cerebrovascular impairment as an early biomarker for AD, significantly influencing the disease's progression and the clinical manifestation of dementia. Despite recognizing this, most research in cerebrovascular abnormalities has predominantly targeted Aβ, leading to a considerable gap in our understanding the role of non-neuronal tau hyperphosphorylation, particularly in CVECs, in disrupt cerebrovascular health, particularly in relation to dementia. The successful candidate will leverage a systems biology approach and cutting-edge technologies—including cellular and molecular biology techniques, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial proteomics, RNAscope, neuropathology, super-resolution confocal microscopy, and AD animal models—to investigate how non-neuronal mechanisms, particularly GSK3β-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation in CVECs, contribute to AD pathology and cognitive decline in preclinical models.

Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in neurobiology, molecular cell biology, neuroscience, or other related fields. Interested applicants should send your current CV, a cover letter describing your research interests/previous experience/future career goals, and the contact information for three references to Dr. Onder Albayram at albayram@musc.edu. Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Previous experience with AD transgenic mouse models, snRNA-seq, spatial proteomics, and confocal microscopy is highly preferred.

Job Duties

• 30% - In consultation with the PI, design and execute experiments to advance independent research projects. S/he will be responsible for planning experiments, developing new assays and experimental models as needed, trouble shooting, data analysis and interpretation, and being able to incorporate the results into manuscripts and sections of grant proposals.
• 25% - Perform specific assays including histological procedures, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry assays.
• 30% - Conduct standard animal experiments, including the handle of transgenic mice, mouse intraperitoneal and tail vein injections, rodent general surgeries (specific surgical procedures can be learned and trained as needed), collecting animal brain tissues, IHC, and data analysis.
• 10% - Assist the PI in training and supervising graduate students, technicians, research assistants and junior lab members.
• 5% - Attend seminars, career development activities locally and nationally at conferences, submit abstracts and present data at local, national & international meetings, and if applicable write postdoctoral fellowship applications and grant proposals.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular cell biology, cellular neurobiology, or any other related fields.

Preferred Experience & Additional Skills

• Expert-level intellectual input to the research objectives and data interpretation of the PI’s projects.
• Ability to work independently in experimental design and project execution.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to train and supervise technicians and graduate students.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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