"Research Lab Specialist Lead"

We are seeking an experienced research laboratory specialist to lead and oversee laboratory projects focused on investigating the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurologic complications of metabolic stress (diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity), aging, and neurodegeneration (e.g., neuropathy and cognitive impairment). In collaboration with other members of the research team, the laboratory specialist will be responsible for the management, coordination, and implementation of in vitro and in vivo initiatives focused on specific mechanisms underlying peripheral and central nervous system damage and assessing intervention efficacy. This individual must have the ability to direct and perform all technical aspects of the neurodegeneration research program and supervise team members in project implementation. Experience with laboratory regulatory policies and training compliance will be essential. This individual must also be an effective scientific communicator, with a strong scientific background in molecular biology, scientific techniques, and application to disease research. An interest in supporting and leading a fast-paced, cutting-edge neurologic disease research program is required.

25% Design, perform, oversee, and interpret mechanism-based studies using complementary in vivo and in vitro models to facilitate research discoveries with translational potential for neurologic complications of metabolic stress and aging. Experiments include in vivo neuropathy and cognitive phenotyping, gene expression analyses, mitochondrial function assays, biochemistry, immunocytochemistry, drug/diet/exercise intervention studies, and related techniques.

20% Develop and lead projects focused on characterizing peripheral and central nervous system metabolic reprogramming in the context of metabolic disease, including testing direct substrate utilization, mitochondrial efficiency, mitochondrial biogenesis, enzyme activities, protein expression, and oxidative stress.

20% Oversee biological interpretation/integration of RNA-seq and lipidomics bioinformatics output from multiple mouse models exhibiting neurologic complications to design in vitro experiments characterizing changes in lipid metabolism and cellular signaling in response to metabolic stress and aging. Experiments use primary Schwann cell, dorsal root ganglia, and cortical neuron cultures and include gene silencing/overexpression, lentiviral transfection, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, western immunoblotting, immunofluorescent microscopy, and ELISA.

15% Establish a knowledgebase of current literature in the field to support evaluation of current research methods and identify potential problems, recommend and implement solutions, and improve and optimize workflows. Compile figures and summary reports of study data and prepare grant applications and manuscripts for research conducted.

10% Mentor, train, and oversee fellows, undergraduate students, and technical personnel.

5% Maintain collaborations between key university core facilities and internal and external collaborators.

5% Present work at scientific seminars and conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or medical-related field, plus at least 5 years of biomedical or academic laboratory research experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills required, with a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed articles demonstrating a strong scientific background in biological science
• Must have a positive, collaborative, and flexible attitude suitable for working in a large academic laboratory environment
• Must be capable of working independently on fast-paced, cutting-edge research and supervising project team members to support research progress
• Must have excellent planning, organizational, and work coordination skills
• Computer skills required

Desired Qualifications:

• Eight or more peer-reviewed publications desired
• Experience in molecular biology, sample collection, processing, and analysis preferred
• A background in neuroscience, neuropathy, and/or neurodegeneration, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, is desired
• Experience in project management and team oversight is desired