Job Opportunities


Postdoctoral Fellow

Principal Investigator: Meyer Jackson, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral positions are available to study exocytosis with electrophysiological techniques, and neural circuits with imaging techniques.

Exocytosis:   Projects involve the investigation of molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter and hormone release. We use electrophysiological and electrochemical techniques to monitor the release of single vesicles and examine how exocytosis is altered by mutations of proteins that drive membrane fusion. Research focusses on the fusion pore and adapts ideas from ion channel and membrane biophysics to the study of membrane fusion. Unique preparations have been developed to investigate synaptic release in a system with a molecularly defined postsynaptic apparatus. We are exploring applications to the study of synaptic release from neurons derived from human stem cells.

Neural circuits:  Projects involve the investigation of mechanisms by which neural circuits process and store information. We use imaging techniques with both synthetic and genetically-encoded voltage sensors to monitor electrical activity from many neurons simultaneously in intact neural circuits (rodent brain slices). Genetically-encoded voltage sensors are targeted to desired cell types using Cre-loxP technology. This has created exciting opportunities to probe fundamental aspects of circuit function. We are currently using this approach to probe inhibitory microcircuits formed by interneurons and changes in circuitry induced by experience. Opportunities are also available to develop new probes.

Highly motivated individuals are sought with a passionate interest in biophysical neuroscience. Background in neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, or biophysics is desirable for work on these projects.

Please direct inquiries to:

Meyer Jackson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dept. of Neuroscience
Email: meyer.jackson@wisc.edu


Postdoctoral Fellow

Required Degree(s) and Area of Specialty: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Physiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biophysics or related field

Principal Investigator: Gail Robertson, PhD

We are seeking a postdoctoral trainee to study mechanisms of sudden cardiac death associated with acquired and inherited long QT syndrome (LQTS). Efforts focus on the hERG channel, the primary target of acquired LQTS and the basis of a toxicity screen used worldwide to ensure drugs in development do not cause catastrophic cardiac arrhythmias. We study biophysical properties of hERG channel gating and pharmacology, determinants of surface channel density, pathways of intracellular trafficking, and mechanisms of channel assembly and subunit composition, all of which are critical for cardiac repolarization and represent targets for perturbations resulting in LQTS. We use manual and high throughput patch clamp electrophysiology in heterologous expression systems, quantitative western blot analysis of expressed and native proteins, immunocytochemistry and a variety of screening methods for protein-protein interactions. Creative, highly motivated individuals with demonstrated strength in membrane protein biochemistry are particularly encouraged to apply, but applications in any relevant area will be considered. A strong quantitative background is highly desirable. Opportunities for technology development and commercial applications abound in this highly translational area of research.

Please submit applications to:

Gail Robertson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dept. of Neuroscience
Email: garobert@wisc.edu
608-265-3339


Postdoctoral Fellow

Principal Investigator: Xinyu Zhao, Ph.D.

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to study molecular regulation of stem cells and neurodevelopment. Using both genetic mouse models and human pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs, ESCs, CRISPR/Cas9 gene edited) models, together with a combination of molecular, cellular, genetics, and imaging methods, my laboratory investigates transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms control the neural differentiation and neuronal development (more details are available on our lab website (click here)). This position is for a highly motivated PhD graduate (graduated after summer 2018) who aims to develop an independent research career.

The ideal candidate has strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and cell biology and has published first-authored primary research papers in internationally recognized journals during PhD training. In addition to leading research projects, the person will receive trainings that are critical for future science jobs, including grant/fellowship application and student supervision. If interested, please email your cover letter stating career goals, CV, contact information of at least 3 references, and electronic (PDF) files of representative first-authored publications to Dr. Zhao: xinyu.zhao@wisc.edu

Xinyu Zhao, Ph.D.
Professor
Dept. of Neuroscience/Waisman Center
Email:  xinyu.zhao@wisc.edu


Postdoctoral Researcher – 2 Openings

Principal Investigator: Edwin Chapman, Ph.D.

The Chapman lab is looking for two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers or senior scientists to join our dynamic and highly collaborative group studying aspects of neuroscience. Our HHMI and NIH funded lab is interested in Ca2+ regulated synaptic vesicle (and large dense core vesicle) exocytosis, neuronal cell biology, and synaptic transmission/plasticity.
A successful candidate for the first position will conduct patch clamp experiments using cultured neurons and brain slices, using genetically modified mice, to measure synaptic depression, paired pulse facilitation, and other aspects of synaptic plasticity.

For the second position, the successful candidate will perform recombinant protein purification and reconstitution (using nanodiscs, liposomes, and planar lipid bilayers) to conduct single molecule experiments (fluorescence, AFM, and black lipid membrane) to probe the structure and function of fusion pores.

Other goals for both positions are to: elucidate the structure and dynamics of fusion pores in vitro and in living cells, understand how the interplay between various organelles influences synaptic function, assign functions to synaptic vesicle (and other presynaptic proteins), and to alter the oscillation frequency of neuronal circuits. These postdoctoral researchers/senior scientists are also expected to contribute ideas, interact and collaborate with other lab members and other laboratories, and to prepare manuscripts for publication. Senior scientists are expected to oversee graduate students and post-doctoral researchers and participate in grant writing.

Requirements for Position #1:
• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in neuroscience or related discipline is required. A strong background in electrophysiology is essential for this position. Experience conducting patch clamp recordings in cultured neurons and brain slices is highly preferred. Experience with viral expression of proteins in specific brain regions is also highly valued.
• Analysis of electrophysiology data.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Not required but preferred skills include familiarity with fluorescent imaging or optogenetics, and analysis of imaging data.

Requirements for Position #2:
• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in neuroscience or related discipline is required. A strong background in nanodisc technology and/or single molecule fluorescence experiments is essential for this position. Experience with AFM and/or planar lipid bilayer electrophysiology is also highly valued.
• Analysis of data.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Interested applicants should send their cover letter and CV to:

Christina Greer
Lab Manager
Dept. of Neuroscience/Chapman Lab
HHMI/University of Wisconsin-Madison
Email: cgreer2@wisc.edu

Visit our webpage at https://chapman.neuro.wisc.edu/ for more information on our current research.


Postdoctoral Researcher

Principal Investigator: Bill Chiu, Ph.D.

Position available to join Bill Chiu’s laboratory to study mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Person should have expertise in molecular biology, primary culture and imaging. Detailed descriptions of mitochondrial research in the Chiu laboratory can be found in his website.

Interested persons should send inquiry to:

Bill Chiu, Ph.D.
Professor
Dept. of Neuroscience
Email: schiu1@wisc.edu


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