Staff Scientist Position- University of Utah
Pediatric Neurodevelopmental and Disease
A position for a staff scientist or research assistant or associate professor is available for studies in neurodevelopment and neurodisease gene pathophysiology and therapeutics discovery in the Bonkowsky lab (http://medicine.utah.edu/pediatrics/labs/bonkowsky/). The primary experimental model system is the zebrafish with potential applications to mouse, iPSCs, and human.
The projects include the use of zebrafish as an experimental model to study and develop human leukodystrophies and other conditions, with extension to drug discovery and testing in other systems. We apply advanced genetic approaches, including transgenesis, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), optogenetics, behavior screening, and confocal microscopic imaging techniques (e.g. Gao et al., eNeuro, 2018; Strachan et al., Human Molecular Genetics, 2017; Son et al., Nature Scientific Reports, 2016).
Our research group is an interdisciplinary, collaborative group. The Bonkowsky laboratory is located in the Department of Neurobiology with access to a large modern zebrafish facility, imaging core facilities, and a vibrant scientific community including more than ten zebrafish labs.
Qualifications: PhD or MD/PhD or similar experience. Strong background and experience in experimental sciences (such as molecular biology and/or biochemistry) is necessary. Prior experience in genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, sequencing, programming, and imaging would be advantageous. Primary responsibilities will include day-to-day oversight of lab members and experiments; performing experiments; preparing figures and publications; and applying for funding. Candidates should be aware of opportunities for advancing compounds to therapies including collaborations with drug companies; and collaborations with bioengineering for novel device development. The lab also has a clinical research component, and familiarity with IRB applications and maintenance; human patient consent process; blood/DNA draws; next-generation sequencing; and large database analysis; would be of additional benefit.
Candidates should be collegial and independent with good communication skills, team mentality, and a demonstrated track record. Applicants should have U.S. citizenship or a green card. Funding for salary is guaranteed for five years, with expectations of long-term success.
The lab and setting are an innovative, well- equipped and scientifically stimulating surrounding.
Women and under-represented minorities are especially encouraged to apply. The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applications should include a ½ page letter of description of their career and research, a CV, and the names and contact information of three academic references, and be sent to:
Dr. Josh Bonkowsky
E-Mail: joshua.bonkowsky@hsc.utah.edu