Postdoctoral Position in Vascular Aging, Senescence, Genomics

Position Type:

Postdoctoral Position at the NIH

Position Title:

Vascular Aging, Senescence, Genomics

Position Overview:
We are seeking motivated postdoctoral researchers to join Dr. Allison Herman's lab, the Vascular Aging Biology Unit, in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Baltimore, Maryland. This position focuses on investigating the genomic changes that govern cellular senescence during normal vascular aging and in age-related cardiovascular pathologies. The position offers an exciting opportunity to utilize cutting-edge high-throughput techniques and animal models to unravel the complexities of senescent cell niches, identify key genes driving senescence in aging and age-related vascular diseases, and explore therapeutic strategies targeting these genes to mitigate the impact of cellular senescence on healthspan.

Research Focus:
The successful candidate will primarily investigate the heterogeneity among senescent cell niches within the vasculature, with a specific emphasis on understanding how vascular smooth muscle cell aging and senescence contribute to vascular stiffening and vascular cognitive decline associated with aging. The research will involve a multidisciplinary approach integrating genomic analyses, advanced imaging techniques, and preclinical models of aging and age-related diseases.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting experimental research to characterize genomic changes associated with cellular senescence in vascular aging and age-related cardiovascular pathologies.
• Utilizing high-throughput genomic techniques (e.g., RNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics) to identify key genes and pathways involved in promoting senescence.
• Employing animal models and imaging to study the functional consequences of senescent cell accumulation in the vasculature and its impact on vascular cognitive decline.
• Collaborating with team members to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and design follow-up experiments.
• Contributing to the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at conferences and seminars.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in biomedicine, less than five years postdoctoral training, and one or more first-author peer-reviewed academic paper(s) in molecular biology, cardiovascular biology, neurobiology, and/or geroscience. Candidates may be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or foreign nationals. Salary will be commensurate with research experience according to the NIH intramural pay scale. Successful applicants will have:

• Strong background in genomics, molecular biology, and cellular senescence.
• Experience with high-throughput genomic techniques and data analysis.
• Proficiency in working with animal models, particularly in the context of aging or cardiovascular disease, is highly desirable.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a track record of scientific productivity (publications, conference presentations).

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their research interests and career goals, a current CV with a list of publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Allison (Ali) Herman (ali.herman@nih.gov). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Employer Name:
Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging

Location:
Baltimore, MD, USA

Disclaimer:
The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.