The Department of Pathology anticipates an ongoing need for postdoctoral fellows and seeks applications for positions in the following research areas listed below.
Aaron Neumann, Ph.D.
The lab focuses on innate immune carbohydrate pattern recognition systems-- especially the involvement of transmembrane C-type lectins in the context of Candida-species fungal recognition. A variety of projects are ongoing relating to the following interest areas:
membrane protein lateral mobility and signal transduction during fungal pathogen recognition in human innate immune cells
the cell biology of innate immune fungal recognition in the context of Candida biofilms and approaches to improve treatment of and antigen gathering in these biofilms
At minimum, this position requires a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or a related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants with strong experience in quantitative light microscopic imaging and analysis, primary mammalian immune cell isolation/culture, fungal cell culture and glycobiology.
Cheryl Willman, M.D.
This research laboratory is engaged in fundamental studies of lymphoid and myeloid cell signal transduction and fundamental and translational studies of human leukemogenesis. Specific projects include:
the role of the kinases in normal and leukemic cells
the identification and cloning of consistent genetic abnormalities in human leukemia and determining the mechanism whereby these novel genes contribute to transformation
the use of new genomic technologies to assess global patterns of gene expression in leukemic cells
studies of the genetic predisposition to leukemogenesis and responses to therapies
translational science accompanying NCI-sponsored clinical trials for leukemia.
The successful applicant will continue these studies using molecular, cellular, protein biochemistry techniques, and new genomics technologies. Minimum requirement: M.D. or Ph.D. Experience with new genomic technologies, animal models, tissue culture, bone marrow culture systems, and molecular cloning are highly desired.
Brian Hjelle, M.D.
The applicant will work in collaboration with a core of scientists who will study genetic vaccines, pathogenesis and molecular epidemiology of zoonotic viral pathogens. The successful candidate will develop animal and/or cell culture models for pathogenesis, a number of which will require Biosafety Level 3 containment. A wide range of methods will need to be employed, including neutralization tests for viral antibodies, preparation of tissues for pathologic studies and immunostaining, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Minimum requirements: (1) Ph.D. and/or M.D., or equivalent in a biological discipline; (2) Two or more years of virology experience (can include predoctoral training) using modern immunologic and/or molecular methods. Experience with biologically hazardous microbes is desired.
Elaine Bearer, M.D., Ph.D.
Recently funded NINDS grant for a multi-disciplinary study of brain circuitry using MRI, visual-evoked potentials, iontophoretic injections, histologic tracers and computational image analysis in transgenic mouse models of human Alzheimer's disease. This project is a three-part collaboration between the PI's lab at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, and University of California in Los Angeles. This study grew out of a collaboration between Russ Jacobs, Art Toga and Elaine Bearer using endogenous axonal transport mechanisms to track anatomical connections in the CNS using combined approaches (Bearer et al. PNAS 2006; Bearer et al NeuroImage 2007a and 2007b; Bearer et al NeuroImage, 2009).
The post-doctoral associate will be involved in all aspects of the study, but may select an area for focus. Preference will be given to those with a PhD in imaging (either optical imaging applications and technology or magnetic resonance imaging), transgenic mouse models, and/or computational engineering and digital image analysis.
Angela Wandinger-Ness, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral positions available to study intracellular membrane transport and alterations that underlie neuropathies, epithelial cancers and kidney disease. Our interactive research group is elucidating the functions of several rab GTPases and other regulatory molecules in exo- and endocytic membrane transport. Deficits in the proper localization and function of Rab7 is of key importance in growth factor receptor signaling that when defective contributes to cancer and peripheral neuropathies. Alterations in ciliary trafficking regulated by a complex of small GTPases contributes to pathophysiology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. In collaboration with the UNM Molecular Libraries Screening Center we are identifying small molecules targeted to the Rab GTPases. Our laboratory utilizes integrated, state of the art approaches to tackle these questions, employing laser scanning confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, protein biochemistry, and genomic strategies. Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D. in biology or life sciences. Experience in cell and molecular biology, and protein biochemistry are encouraged.
Janet Oliver, Ph.D., Bridget Wilson, Ph.D., Diane Lidke, Ph.D.
Position available in signaling group consisting of three core faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and technicians. This is a multi-disciplinary group, with projects in 1) IgE receptor-mediated signaling and membrane topography; 2) Abnormal tyrosine kinase, PI3K signaling associated with carcinogenesis/leukemogenesis and 3) computational modeling of cell signaling in spatio-temporal context. 4) A newly funded project (Lidke) is focused on understanding the influence of mechanical stimuli and cellular response in immune cells. Minimum requirement: Ph.D. in immunology, cell or computational biology. Experience in the analysis of receptor-mediated signaling pathways using genetic, biochemical and/or microscopy techniques desired.
Please Send:
To: Renu Prinja, Operations Manager
Pathology Department
MSC08 4640
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131