Research Fellow Neurology Korecka Lab

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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

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.