Neuroscience Postdoc: in vivo Ephys/Ca imaging, Patch-seq, gene therapy, epilepsy, autism, dementia

Several positions for highly motivated postdoctoral fellows are available in the laboratory of Dr. Yang Yang, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University to study neurodevelopmental (epilepsy and autism) and neurodegenerative disorders (dementia).

The projects are funded by multiple 5-year NIH R01s and other generous fundings. One project involves the study of voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2 (SCN2A-related channelopathy), recently discovered as a top gene mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism and epilepsy). We also study Nav1.8 (SCN10A-related channelopathy). Another line of research involves the study of epigenetics, dementia, and aging. Our lab is well funded with state-of-the-art equipment for carrying out cutting-edge research.

We work on both mouse models and human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) derived neurons, together with microglia, 3D brain organoids, and chimeric mouse brain with human cells. We use multidisciplinary approaches including high-density in vivo Neuropixels recording, EEG recording, Inscopix Miniscope in vivo Calcium imaging of freely moving mice, patch-clamp electrophysiology/Patch-Seq, gene therapy (e.g., CRISPR prime editing, base editing, antisense oligonucleotides/ASO), optogenetics and DREADD, cultured cells and brain slice patch-clamp recordings, single-cell RNA-sequencing, as well as a variety of imaging technologies. Initial results of our studies were recently published in Cell Reports (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109495) and the Journal of Neuroscience (https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0564-21.2021) among others.

The successful applicant should have completed a PhD or MD in biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field. While ideal candidates should have expertise in one of the following areas, we also appreciate candidates in other fields who are committed to learning new skills and keen to bring their unique expertise to study neurological diseases in a collaborative environment. Ample resources and training will be provided for the trainee to grow.

1)    Rodent study with EEG or other in vivo recording systems (e.g., Plexon, NeuroNexus, Inscopix in vivo Ca++ imaging, or miniscope), and familiar with data analysis (e.g., MATLAB or python);

2)    Molecular and cellular biology including molecular cloning, CRISPR editing, plasmid construction, virus packing, exon-intron splicing, epigenetics, neuron or microglia culture, RNA-sequencing, proteomics, or other multi-omics studies of brain tissues, iPSCs-derived neurons or organoids;

3)   Patch-clamp electrophysiology, Patch-seq (Patch-clamp assisted RNA-Sequencing) of cultured neurons or brain slices.

To apply, please send a current C.V. and a statement of research interests to Dr. Yang Yang (yangyang@purdue.edu). Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.

Purdue University is a top 10 public University in the US, and the College of Pharmacy ranks No. 7 nationally. Purdue University is in West Lafayette, Indiana, a beautiful and safe college town with affordable and comfortable living. It is located within short driving distances of two major cities (two-hour driving distance from Chicago and one hour away from Indianapolis).

More information about Yang lab research can be found via the following webpage (https://www.yangyanglab.org/)