Postdoctoral Researcher – Da Mesquita lab – Mayo Clinic Florida

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Da Mesquita lab – Mayo Clinic Florida

Job Number: 65412

Location: Jacksonville, US

Job Description

Position description

Research Fellow (postdoctoral) positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Sandro Da Mesquita. The Da Mesquita lab studies the meningeal lymphatic and immune systems in neurodegenerative disorders and is located in the Department of Neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus. The laboratory integrates several disciplines, techniques and state-of-the-art methodology to explore pathological mechanisms and biomarkers of aging-related neurological diseases like frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One of our main interests is to understand the roles of the recently described meningeal lymphatic system in modulating brain homeostasis, aging, pathology and degeneration. Ultimately, we aim at developing therapeutic strategies that promote brain cleansing and boost neural function in the aged brain by improving the drainage capacity of the meningeal lymphatic vasculature.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a solid background in basic research. The successful candidate will be a self-driven scientist, enjoying challenging research projects in a supportive diverse and multidisciplinary environment, and working in a timely, cordial and ethical fashion with team members. The candidates will have to show a strong capacity of developing novel scientific concepts, ideas and methods, alongside strong communication and presentation skills in English. Investigation will be conducted using in vivo models of human neurological disorders (mostly genetically engineered mice strains), as well as human tissue and biofluids. Understanding of basic concepts in the fields of neuroscience, neurovascular biology, neuroimmunology and/or immunology is mandatory. An in-depth knowledge about mouse handling, colony management, and in vivo experiments involving mouse models is mandatory. Previous experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, state-of-the-art systems biology approaches (multi-omics) or behavioral testing will be major advantages. Proven capacity to set up in vitro models to answer specific research questions will also be considered a plus. The candidate will also be expected to write manuscripts reporting research findings, originate novel, related, or follow-up research projects, and to participate in grant proposal writing to support the lab.

This opportunity is open to non-U.S. and U.S. resident scientists, including women, men, LGBTQI+, people with disabilities, and of all races, ethnicities and underrepresented minorities.

A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide postdoctoral training and education in research. The Research Fellow position will consist of a one-year appointment that can be renewed for an additional 4 years. Individuals will train in the research program of the Mayo Clinic Principal Investigator (Dr. Da Mesquita) and will have the chance to collaborate with internal and external groups. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their previous training and peer-reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants. Proof of English proficiency might be required for J-1 Research Scholars sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

Please attach the following required documents at the time of application:

·       Current curriculum vitae and relevant bibliography

·       Three letters of recommendation, signed, on letterhead, describing:

o   Relationship to the applicant.

o   Past work/academic performance.

o   Work qualities/personal conduct.

o   Overall assessment of potential for success in research environment.

·       Ph.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. degree certification, if applicable:

o   Original or notarized copy of diploma or final transcript issued by school (English translation required).

Qualifications

Must have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the lab Principal Investigator (Dr. Da Mesquita). This Research Fellow position is appropriate for individuals who have completed no more than one prior postdoctoral fellowship, at Mayo Clinic or elsewhere.

Additional qualifications

1.     Candidates must have at least two-year research experience in the neuroscience and/or immunology fields. An individual with an M.D. degree with strong laboratory based postdoctoral experience will also be considered.

2.     Proficiency in experimental techniques involving rodent models (namely mice) including basic handling, administering drug treatment, conducting behavior studies, and collecting tissues and biospecimens for analysis is mandatory.

3.     Proven experience in basic laboratory techniques including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot, qPCR, and other basic molecular biology assays, is essential.

4.     Proven experience in animal tissue collection and processing, flow cytometry & cell sorting, immunohistochemistry immunofluorescence staining techniques, confocal imaging, and data analysis will be considered an advantage.

5.     Previous experience in DNA and RNA sequencing or in single cell or nuclei RNA sequencing techniques will be considered an advantage. 

6.     Familiarity with surgery methods involving rodent models and live imaging techniques will be considered an advantage.

7.     Proficiency in cell culture techniques, namely with primary glial and neuronal cultures, will be considered an advantage.

Benefits eligible

Yes

Schedule

Full Time

Site description

Jacksonville is the largest city in area in the continental United States. A beautiful coastal Florida city that features excellent year-round climate, over 20 miles of beaches and outstanding outdoor recreational, cultural and family-oriented amenities. The “River City by the Sea” has an excellent school system, reasonable cost of living, thriving business environment and provides the opportunity for a healthy and high-quality lifestyle. Medical professionals, scientific researchers and patients are drawn to Jacksonville by an extraordinary network of high-profile healthcare facilities and resources. Jacksonville continues to grow as more people relocate from all over the U.S. and abroad, to see what the great River City has to offer!

Application Deadline: 2024-01-30