Postdoctoral Fellow – University of California, San Francisco/Weill Institute for Neurosciences

Dr. Piao’s lab (http://www.piaolab.org/) focuses on glial cell function in brain development and neurodegeneration. Her published work (Giera et al., eLife, 2018; Li et al., EMBO J, 2020 & 2021; Yu et al., Science Advances, 2022) demonstrates that microglia and oligodendrocytes regulate key processes of neurodevelopment, such as central nervous system myelination, synaptic pruning, and interneuron development. Unpublished work from the lab implicates key developmental genes in neurodegeneration. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on either (1) targeting G protein-coupled receptors and the RhoA pathway in premyelinating oligodendrocytes during myelin formation and repair; or (2) uncovering the molecular mechanisms of microglial function in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and progression. The Piao Lab is located at the newly built Weill Neurosciences Building at Mission Bay. The state-of-the-art open lab space enables close interactions and collaborations with top neuroscientists in the building.

Applicants must hold a PhD (within 3 years after obtaining the degree). Individuals with a strong background in developmental neuroscience and computational biology are especially encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will apply their knowledge in biochemistry, transcriptomics, histology, tissue culture, and mouse brain development to investigate the roles of microglia and oligodendrocytes in brain development and neurodegeneration.

Interested candidates, please send a cover letter describing past research accomplishments and future research interests, current CV, and a list of 3 reference contacts to Dr. Xianhua Piao (xianhua.piao@ucsf.edu).