Recruit

The Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine anticipates an opening for 2 postdoctoral positions in the laboratory of Dr. Munjal Acharya. Positions are available for 2-3 years and are currently funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) awards. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The scholar will be responsible for investigating regenerative strategies to remediate radiation- or chemo-therapy-related brain injury (chemobrain) and cognitive dysfunction. Additional projects will involve characterizing the impact of gliosis (microglial and astrocytic activation), neuroinflammation and CNS complement cascade activation on brain function. Our laboratory employs gene silencing, transgenic, stem cell-based, and pharmacological approaches to study neurobiological mechanisms and regenerative strategies to ameliorate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments.

Successful candidates will have an excellent track record and be highly motivated scientists who can carry out independent experiments and work well with a team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in contributing to the execution of the overall aims of the project and the analysis and preparation of the data for presentations in scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications.

Required skills:
A Ph.D. and laboratory experience in neuroscience, molecular biology and/or biochemistry.
Hands-on experience with the mouse or rat handling, rodent behavior, and cognitive function
Standard molecular and cell biology techniques (i.e. immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western blot, RNA, DNA).
Strong skills in organization, data handling, and statistical analysis.
Proficiency in English with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Supervise/train students and research staff

Desirable skills:
Brain cancer induction (orthotopic and flank cancer models), cancer imaging (BLI, CBCT)
Hands-on experience with mouse and/or rat stereotaxic surgery
Mammalian cell culturing (human or rodent stem cells, cancer cells), isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles (exosomes)
Confocal and/or Super-Resolution microscopy, and 3D fluorescent image quantification techniques (i.e. Imaris, Auto Quant, ClearView, Neurolucida, Stereology).
Knowledge of genetic manipulation of mammalian cells and mouse brain to knockdown or overexpress genes (AAV, Lentivirus, CRISPR-Cas, Cre-LoxP)
Electrophysiology experience would be advantageous

This position is dependent on extramural funds and may be subjected to the disposition/availability of such funds.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being up-to-date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.