JOB DESCRIPTION:

A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated candidate to join the Epigenetics and System Neuroscience laboratory headed by Dr. Carla Nasca at Nathan Kline Psychiatric Institute and NYU School of Medicine in New York. The collaborative, intellectually stimulating work environment at NKI and NYUSoM is an invaluable resource to conduct bold, innovative and creative science.

Our laboratory uses cutting-edge technologies, including genetic, molecular, circuit and computational (e.g., machine learning) tools combined single-cell big-data approaches. Our lab is also developing a platform for isolation of specific exosomes from rodent and human models.

We are working on an innovative model of epigenetic mechanisms of neuroplasticity to stress with a new angle on the communication between mitochondria and cell nuclei. Key to this framework is the pivotal mitochondrial metabolite L-acetyl-carnitine or LAC, which we discovered as a novel epigenetic modulator of glutamatergic function in key brain circuits and a promising therapeutic target for clinical phenotypes of depression and Alzheimer's disease.

This growing framework provided the basis for exciting collaborations with colleagues in other renowned institutions to identify novel mechanisms of brain plasticity in the rapid and lasting responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

To apply, please send your CV, a statement of your research interests and names of two or three contacts for reference letters.

JOB DUTIES:

Specific responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Carry out bold, cutting-edge basic and/or translational research.
• Be eager to present research findings at lab meetings and conferences worldwide.
• Be keen to learn, be highly motivated, work well with others, immerse himself/herself in ongoing research and be creative and proactive for new research directions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. or Ph.D./MD degree. Preferred degrees in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology or related fields
• Experience in molecular and biochemical techniques, such qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence
• Familiar with next generation sequencing approaches, bioinformatics and computational tools (e.g., machine learning)
• Experience in rodent experiments in some of these areas: stereotaxic surgery, in vivo gene manipulations, CRISPR/shRNAs, fiber photometry, calcium imaging, behavioral tests
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to work in an interdisciplinary & collaborative team
• Motivation & passion for Neuroscience is a must

Background Investigation/Justice Center Review Requirements:

Prospective appointees will be: 1) Checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment. 2) Screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees whose names are indicated on the SCR may be barred from appointment.

*The Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit corporation and is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. Excellent Benefits Package. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Women/Disabled/Veteran Employer. VEVRAA 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) compliant.

Applications will only be accepted through website at: http://corporate.rfmh.org - Click on Employment Opportunities. Applications will be accepted only during the posting dates as listed at the top of the job announcement.

Questions regarding this position please email: hrprocessing@nki.rfmh.org