Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate positions for motivated, creative and independent individuals are available in the laboratory of Dr. Joel Richter in the Program of Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A strong commitment to research is essential. We study the molecular biology of mRNA translational control by cytoplasmic polyadenylation and how this process regulates neuronal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. We investigate how neurologic diseases such as Fragile X and other autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are regulated at the translational level. Our experimental approach includes RNA-sequencing, ribosome profiling, mouse models of neurologic disease, and the study of iPSC-derived neurons. Additional information can be found at  https://profiles.umassmed.edu/display/133116.

Relevant references include:

Optimization of ribosome profiling using low-input brain tissue from fragile X syndrome model mice.

Liu B, Molinaro G, Shu H, Stackpole EE, Huber KM, Richter JD.

Nucleic Acids Res. 2019 Mar 18;47(5):e25. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky1292.

PMID: 30590705

Regulatory discrimination of mRNAs by FMRP controls mouse adult neural stem cell differentiation.

Liu B, Li Y, Stackpole EE, Novak A, Gao Y, Zhao Y, Zhao X, Richter JD.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2018 Nov 27;115(48):E11397-E11405. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1809588115. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

PMID: 30373821

Bidirectional control of mRNA translation and synaptic plasticity by the cytoplasmic polyadenylation complex.

Udagawa T, Swanger SA, Takeuchi K, Kim JH, Nalavadi V, Shin J, Lorenz LJ, Zukin RS, Bassell GJ, Richter JD.

Mol Cell. 2012 Jul 27;47(2):253-66.

Genetic and acute CPEB1 depletion ameliorate fragile X pathophysiology.

Udagawa T, Farny NG, Jakovcevski M, Kaphzan H, Alarcon JM, Anilkumar S, Ivshina M, Hurt JA, Nagaoka K, Nalavadi VC, Lorenz LJ, Bassell GJ, Akbarian S, Chattarji S, Klann E, Richter JD.

Nat Med. 2013 Nov;19(11):1473-7.

Dysregulation and restoration of translational homeostasis in fragile X syndrome.

Richter JD, Bassell GJ, Klann E.

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2015 Oct;16(10):595-605.

Pausing on Polyribosomes: Make Way for Elongation in Translational Control.

Richter JD, Coller J.

Cell. 2015 Oct 8;163(2):292-300.

Microsatellite Expansion Diseases: Repeat Toxicity Found in Translation.

Gao FB, Richter JD.

Neuron. 2017 Jan 18;93(2):249-251.

Dynamic Control of Dendritic mRNA Expression by CNOT7 Regulates Synaptic Efficacy and Higher Cognitive Function.

McFleder RL, Mansur F, Richter JD.

Cell Rep. 2017 Jul 18;20(3):683-696.

Rethinking Unconventional Translation in Neurodegeneration.

Gao FB, Richter JD, Cleveland DW.

Cell. 2017 Nov 16;171(5):994-1000.

A Ph.D. and/or M.D. in Molecular Biology or related fields is required. Computational biology study and/or experience is preferred.  Interested individuals should submit applications via email to Dr. Joel Richter at Joel.Richter@umassmed.edu. Please include (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of research, (3) contact information for three references.

EEO Information: The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. UMMS strives to maintain an educational and work environment free of harassment and discrimination. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Further information is available at http://www.umassmed.edu/dio/equal-opportunity/.