Position Objective

The responsibilities of this position include: the conception, design, execution, and data analysis of experiments involving the perfusion of isolated renal tubules from mice and rabbits. Some experiments will require mouse survival surgery aimed at injecting viral constructs into the kidneys of mice, with the goal of harvesting tubules from these kidneys several days later. The successful applicant will also perform chemical/radioactivity assays. Familiarity with basic principles of molecular biology would be helpful in ordering viral constructs for injection into mouse kidneys. The subjects of study include tubules from wild-type rabbits, wild-type mice, mice with the genetic deletion/modification of various genes of interest (e.g., RPTPg, AT_1A, ErbB1), or mice injected with the aforementioned viral constructs. These experiments require (1) the manual dissection of tubules from specific areas of the kidney nephron; (2) the fabrication of precision sophisticated glass pipettes tor tubular perfusion; (3) the fabrication of physiological saline solutions, including out-of-equilibrium (OOE) CO₂/HCO₃⁻ solutions; (4) the actual perfusion of tubules in a microscope-based system; (5) the collection of fluid after it has passed through the tubule lumen; (6) the analysis of solutions using chemical and radio-isotopic assays; (7) data analysis; and (8) paper writing. Finally, it is expected that the successful candidate will be able to read the literature and assist in the design of experiments.

The applicant must have a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in Physiology, Pharmacology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related subject, and have a record of productivity evidenced by scholarly publications. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information of three people who could provide recommendation letters of reference by email to boronlabsearch@case.edu

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

As a Postdoctoral Scholar, the candidate is expected to:

1. Document and analyze experimental results and present results in laboratory meetings, departmental seminars and scientific conferences.
2. Prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data and drafts of materials for grant proposals.
3. Work closely with other lab members to ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan and in organizing laboratory space and supplies.
4. Work with PI to submit and manage compliance with policies, procedures and regulations of the Animal Resource Center, IACUC, lab safety policy, and other applicable regulatory guidelines for which essential training will be provided.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Train and oversee rotation students and other research staff in the lab.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

PhD in biomedical sciences with hands-on experience in physiology experiments and animal work.

YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

PhD in physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology or related discipline with 0-5 years of postdoctoral experience.
We will provide appropriate training in experimental approaches unfamiliar to the successful candidate.

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE

NIH salary scale.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

1. Outstanding fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
2. Ability to maintain research focus on a technically challenging project.
3. Strong organization skills and maintain a laboratory notebook, attention to scientific detail.
4. Experience with handling and working on animal model experiments.
5. Ability to work independently after essential training has been provided.
6. Effective oral and written communication skills.
7. Flexibility in work schedule to complete necessary study within deadlines.

Qualified candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and three professional references to Dr. Walter Boron via the email address boronlabsearch@case.edu