Research Fellow Neurology Korecka Lab

Location: Boston-MA

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

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Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Korecka Lab at BWH/HMS. The position will focus on an NIH-funded project investigating the neuroinflammatory and metabolomic mechanisms by which the gut microbiome contributes to Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Using human stem cell-derived microglia and complex microglia–astrocyte–neuron co-culture models, the project will define microbiome-dependent pathways that drive neuroinflammation and contribute to PDD pathology.

The Korecka Lab investigates genetic and neuroimmune mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and genetic ataxia using patient-derived iPSC models, cellular functional assays, neuronal activity assays, genetic manipulation, and transcriptomic approaches, with the goal of uncovering disease mechanisms and identifying new genetic therapy strategies.

The Fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Joanna (Asia) Korecka at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This is a highly collaborative training environment with exposure to multidisciplinary techniques in basic and clinical research. The Fellow will receive training, professional development, and mentorship during the appointment period. The appointment is time-limited and should be for a term of no longer than 5 years, with a minimum commitment of 3 years. Compensation will follow NIH postdoctoral stipend levels.

Qualifications

Candidate Qualifications

PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent doctorate or anticipated to such degree prior to start

Strong publication track record

Experience with one or more of the following areas

Human iPSC culture and differentiation

Background on human microglial, neuronal, or astrocytic differentiation and culture

Gene knockdown and overexpression assays, CRISPR-based genetic manipulation

RNAseq data analysis

Self-motivated individual able to work both independently and in a team environment

Researches, develops, designs, executes, and interprets research experiments related to the neuroimmune mechanisms in PD.

Contributes to scientific literature, reports, journals, and presentations.

Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for research advancement.

Contributes to grant applications.

Trains technicians and visiting students.

The successful candidate will have recently completed graduate studies in a PhD or MD/PhD program with a strong research and publication record in the biological sciences. Prior training in one field related to neuroscience, neuroimmunology, or genetics. The candidate should have advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) working with human stem cells, (2) characterizing immune responses, (3) live cell functional assays, (4) generating and analyzing RNAseq and/or single-cell RNAseq data

Work will be performed at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases in the Department of Neurology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This is a highly interdisciplinary training environment, with access to cutting edge technology and seminars related to both basic and clinical research.

The salary for this position ranges from $73,544 to $81,179.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

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Cover letter

Contact information for three references

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Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

60 Fenwood Road

EEO Statement

2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

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