Postdoctoral Associate - Parkinson's Disease

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever-evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long-term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time. HHMI scientists have radically advanced the understanding of cells, the brain, the immune system, the development of organs, and how to treat many diseases.  Founded in 1953 by aviator and industrialist Howard R. Hughes, HHMI is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and employs more than 2,500 people across the U.S.

At HHMI, you are not just an employee – you are a part of a creative and talented team with colleagues whose expertise ranges from biomedical research to investment management, from information technology to law. We encourage collaborative and results-driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working at HHMI are making a difference.

We are currently looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in San Diego, California. This role will join an HHMI and Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (https://parkinsonsroadmap.org/) -funded project at the Reck-Peterson lab (http://reck-peterson.ucsd.edu) to study the role of LRRK2 in Parkinson's disease. The project will use ES and iPS cell culture, gene-editing, advanced live-cell imaging, and proteomics to determine the functions of LRRK1 and LRRK2 in normal cells and the role of LRRK2 in Parkinson’s Disease. The lab is also expert in single-molecule biophysics and in vitro reconstitution and we collaborate with the Leschziner lab at UC San Diego to solve protein structures by cryo-electron microscopy. See our recent paper in Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2673-2) describing the structure of LRRK2 and how LRRK2 acts as a roadblock for the microtubule-based motors kinesin and dynein.

Education
A Ph.D. in the biological, biophysical, or biochemical sciences is required.

Experience
Experience in CRISPR-based gene editing and live-cell imaging is required.
Experience in biochemistry and proteomics is preferred.

Application Instructions

• Please include both your CV and a cover letter as part of your application.
• Please have three referees send letters of recommendation directly to rplabjobs (at) gmail.com.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.