How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Todd laboratory seeks to hire a post-doctoral research fellow to join a team of students, research assistants and postdoctoral fellows engaged in basic and translational studies of human neurodegenerative diseases.  Research in the Todd lab is focused on nucleotide repeat expansions that cause brain diseases such has Ataxia, Dementia, ALS, and Parkinson?s Disease. We are interested in how repeat expansions trigger neurodegeneration and how we might develop novel therapeutics to mitigate these processes. To accomplish these goals, our group uses cellular and molecular laboratory methods coupled with multimodal disease models (including cell culture, Drosophila, mouse models and neurons derived from human patient stem cells). 

The successful candidate will work alongside Todd lab members to design, perform, and interpret experiments involving reporter assays and models of neurodegenerative disease. In addition, they will supervise and help train both undergraduate research assistants as well as junior graduate students in the lab. Specific tasks will include using standard cellular and molecular techniques in experiments to investigate disease mechanisms, participating in all aspects of research involving models of disease, and the writing of manuscripts and grants as well as presentation of results at national and international meetings.  

Currently available projects involve use of patient stem cell derived human neurons and involve both disease-specific and tool development dependent approaches to uncover the broader roles of repetetive elements in the genome.

The Todd lab is in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The city is ranked among the top 10 places to live in the U.S, with a community that is culturally rich, diverse, pedestrian and bike friendly. Past post-doctoral fellows from the Todd lab have gone on to tenure track faculty positions and leadership positions within the biomedical industry and academic education.  More information about the Todd lab can be found at our lab website (https://sites.google.com/site/toddlabmichgan/home) or on Twitter (@RealToddlab).
 

Responsibilities*

• Conduct experiments in human iPSC dervied stem cells and neruons.
• Carry out molecular, biochemical and tissue culture methods including modern imaging-based approaches using confocal microscopy and live cell imaging.
• Plan out experiments and Analyze data
• Train lab members in lab protocols, equipment operation and standard techniques.
• Participate in periodic research discussions
• Present data and plans for new experiments
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop and achieve short- and long-range plans.
• Write manuscripts, grants, and research abstracts
   

Required Qualifications*

Requirements include a Ph.D. in the biological sciences, including molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline and at least 4 years of laboratory experience.  Basic skills in cellular and molecular biology are required, as is the ability to work and think independently. Candidates will be expected to actively take part in collaborations both within and outside the lab. Applicants should be reliable, hard working (including some work in the evening and on weekends), independent, and able to work well within a group.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience working with and deriving patient derived stem cells and neurons is strongly encouraged, but not formally required for the right candidate.  Prior experience with CRISPR editing is also desirable.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.