Postdoc: Assessment of cellular and functional changes in response to a preclinical SCI intervention

Funded postdoctoral position available in the Hill lab at the Neural Stem Cell Institute (NSCI) to examine the cellular changes that occur following administration of a therapeutic intervention in a preclinical model of spinal cord injury (SCI). This 3-year DoD funded project seeks to advance a promising therapeutic compound along the preclinical pipeline. Preliminary data support a strong functional effect that is preserved with delayed intervention. The studies will assess functional recovery and tissue sparing, and examine the cellular changes (i.e., blood spinal cord barrier integrity, inflammatory response, wound healing, axonal degeneration/regeneration) that occur in response to a pharmacological intervention. The goal is to test the pharmacological agent, establish the cellular mechanisms of action, and optimize the drug dosing strategy in an effort to move the compound through the preclinical pipeline.

Technical aspects of the project include rodent SCI preclinical modeling, histology, flow cytometry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and assessment of biomarkers. The successful candidates should have technical experience in one or more of the above areas, and will have the opportunity to receive training in additional areas. The specific aspects of the project that the postdoc will be responsible for will depend on the candidate’s expertise and interests.

Interested candidates should have completed their PhD within the past 3 years (in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry or molecular biology), have a proven track record of project completion and publications commensurate with experience, and be looking to start in the late fall/early winter.

The postdoc will join the dynamic environment of the NSCI dedicated to the development of regenerative stem cell therapies for various CNS diseases. The NSCI is located in the capital region of upstate NY in Rensselaer, NY. This is a vibrant scientific region with multiple research organizations and several hundred scientific researchers. NSCI is affiliated with the University of Albany, the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Albany Medical College, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

To apply: Applicants should email their CV and contact information for at least two references, along with a 1-2 page cover letter. The cover letter should outline the applicant’s research interests and current technical skills, why they are interested in SCI research, and their reasons for pursuing a postdoc position. Please include “Hill lab postdoc” in the email subject.