A Ph.D. level scientist position with a focus on brain pathology and therapeutic efficacy testing of small molecules in epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease models is available in the laboratory of Dr. Thota Ganesh, Nick Varvel and Ray Dingledine combined laboratory at the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The successful candidate will play a key role in experimental design, data collection and analysis. He/she will collaboratively work with a multi-disciplinary team of neuroscientists and medicinal chemists to acquire biochemical and histology data from in vitro and in vivo animal models.
Under minimal supervision, the Assistant Academic Research Scientist performs a wide range of highly technical and complex tasks necessary to advance basic and/or translational research programs.
KEY RESPONSIBIITIES:
- Responsible for working with experimental platforms specific to the hiring Program.
- Duties will include but are not limited to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation and communication of results of basic and/or translational research.
- Treating rodents with investigational drug candidates for weeks to months and study behavioral deficits, harvesting the blood and brain at the end point for analysis.
- Analysis of brain inflammation and neuropathology by ELISA, Western-blot, qRT-PCR, immuno-histochemistry to study amyloid plaques, soluble amyloids, gliosis and neurodegeneration.
- Will be required to review literature and apply advanced knowledge, skills, and input necessary for protocol development.
- May assist in grant and other funding applications, as necessary and appropriate.
- Performs other responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD OR Master's degree and two years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab .
- OR Bachelor's degree and four years of professional level experience in a technical or research lab.
- Laboratory experience should be related to area of assignment.
- Internship experience or experience prior to attaining the qualifying degree is not considered eligible work experience for this job classification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in molecular, neurobiology or neuropharmacology with 0-4 year of postdoctoral or scientific research experience in above fields. Additional experience working with transgenic Alzheimer’s rodent models will be an advantage.
- Familiarity with rodent brain/tissue harvesting, surgical procedures, brain sectioning; use of microscope, confocal, cryostat, and PCR machines.
- Experience with cognitive and memory assays on mice or rats, Analysis and trouble shooting in cognitive assays is plus.
- Familiarity with immuno-histochemistry of gliotic markers, ELISA and Western blot techniques.
- Cell culture work, including creation of stable cell lines using vectors/constructs, and testing the novel compounds for potency evaluation.
- Knowledge in statistical methods including probability and power analysis.
- Ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Ability to discuss issues and developments with scientists with different backgrounds.
NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.