Position Summary

We invite highly motivated candidates to apply for positions as postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory of Dr. Jeff Milbrandt in the Department of Genetics at Washington University in St. Louis.

Our primary goal is to unravel the mechanism of axon degeneration and its role in neurodegenerative disease. Many of our projects are pursued collaboratively with the Aaron DiAntonio lab and focus on how defects in NAD homeostasis alter disease progression in peripheral neuropathy, ALS and retinal degenerative disorders. One set of studies is aimed at determining how the NADase activity of the TIR domain protein SARM1 is regulated and how its activity influences downstream signaling pathways that control axon maintenance. Another area of interest focuses on motor neuron abnormalities that occur in ALS and in peripheral neuropathy.

In particular, we are interested in the unique metabolic vulnerability of motor axons and how metabolic deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells contribute to motor neuron diseases. We are also pursuing studies to define the cellular composition of peripheral nerves, particularly the microglial-like cells that contribute to nerve homeostasis as well as disease progression.

These projects utilize a wide breadth of technologies from single cell sequencing to mass spectrometry to high throughput, quantitative imaging. In addition, we use human genetics, AAV viral therapies, and disease models, including mutant mice and iPSC-derived neurons to further understand neurodegenerative processes. These projects are funded by multiple grants from the NIH.

This opportunity requires the ability to visit St. Louis for potential interviews.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

For more information on the lab please visit https://milbrandtlab.wustl.edu/.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

To apply for this position, applicants should email a single PDF file consisting of a letter of interest, a CV, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Dr. Jeff Milbrandt at axonal@genetics.wustl.edu.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Genomics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience