Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x)

Key Skills

Python Programming, Cloud computing, Machine learning techniques, AI technology, R Programming, Statistics

Job Description

for the research group of Dr. Natalia Rodriguez Muela.

Why a given neuropathology does not impact all neurons of the same type to a similar level? This is a fascinating question in neurodegeneration research that remains unanswered and represents the main focus of my lab. In most neurodegenerative diseases certain neuronal subgroups degenerate fast while others, carrying the same mutations – if any –, subjected to theoretically analogous stress and displaying comparable functional properties remain unaffected, even at the latest stages of the disease. Motor neuron diseases are a group of disorders in which motor neurons (MNs) of the spinal cord and/or the motor cortex are the primary cell type affected where this perplexing feature can also be observed. This key aspect of motor neuron diseases had been difficult to address using available mouse models. The Rodriguez-Muela lab will use a variety of approaches ranging from cellular biology techniques and live imaging to genome editing and single cell genomics, and utilizing hiPSC together with transgenic animal models, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying such selective MN death. We devote a special focus at exploring the molecular basis of proteostasis failure – major causative event in neurodegeneration –, and at examining the contribution of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous factors to the selective MN loss. Our ultimate goal is to understand the molecular origin of this distinctive neuronal vulnerability to design effective therapeutics targeting specific neuronal subtypes or phases of the disease.

Your tasks

• Generation of 2D neuronal cultures and 3D cortical and spinal cord organoids, derived from hiPSCs, for the study of the cellular and molecular basis of selective neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Generation of iPSC reporter lines using CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology to tag transcription factors specific to distinct neuronal subtypes with fluorescent reporters and make fusion proteins.
• Utilizing systems biology techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics and high-throughput imaging) to investigate the molecular properties of the distinct iPSC-derived motor neuron populations.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. and should have relevant experience to our research interest such as neuroscience, epigenetics and molecular biology
• Capable to work independently within a collaborative environment
• Prior experiences in human iPSC culture, in vitro generation of human brain organoids (3D methods), CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing techniques, in vitro neurodegenerative disease modeling and next generation sequencing data analysis, but other expertise relevant to our interests is also welcome
• Applicants should have at least one peer-reviewed publication in international journals
• The lab language is English

We offer

• An interesting and challenging task in a research center that works on the future topics of health research
• An international environment characterized by a strong focus on science and research
• A high potential for the individual development of our employees
• Targeted personnel development
• Employment, payment and social benefits are determined by the Public Sector Collective Agreement (collective agreement for the public sector - TVöD Bund)

Required documents for application:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Three of the usual references
3. Research statement –prior experience, project plans, future goals, and possible contributions to the lab

Further information and contact details of Dr. Rodriguez Muela can be found under: https://www.dzne.de/en/research/research-areas/fundamental-research/research-groups/ Rodriguez-Muela/research-areasfocus/

The group is member of the Dresden International Graduate School of Biomedical and Bioengineering (DIBS-BB)(https://www.digs-bb.de/research/research-groups/natalia-rodriguez-muela).