Post-Doctoral Laboratory Position in the Department of Pediatrics

Post-Doctoral Laboratory Position in the Department of Pediatrics

Mentor: Dr. Tom Harris, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
Scientist, Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center
University of Alabama at Birmingham,

Key Areas of Expertise: Cystic Fibrosis, microRNA, CFTR function, TGF-beta pathobiology, preclinical models, oligotherapeutics, miRNA-Seq interpretation

Funding: NIH, CFF

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is open to study targetable mechanisms of disease, both pulmonary and extrathoracic, relevant to pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF). In the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) funded laboratory of Dr. Harris, projects investigate the pathogenic mechanisms that mediate disease and therapeutic response with a focus on TGF-beta relevant pathways.  The successful applicant will have opportunity to develop multiple projects with direct translational impact using cell culture and animal models in a well-equipped, multi-disciplinary laboratory with multiple collaborative opportunities. The applicant will investigate preclinical development of oligotherapeutics to improve CFTR function, with a focus on miRNA target site blockade (TSB). Currently funded projects include the use of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) target site blockade to enhance CFTR-directed therapy, addressing smoke and other environmental barriers to CFTR function, and extrathoracic manifestations of CF disease such as renal and pancreatic remodeling. The Postdoctoral Scholar will design, interpret, and perform experiments that address important molecular pathways applicable to CF lung disease with direct opportunities for manuscript preparation and oral presentation at national and international meetings. Prior experience in cell and molecular biology is essential, but most importantly, the Scholar will possess a high level of self-motivation with a strong interest in the health implications of biomedical research. The successful candidate must be innovative and interested in pursuing an independent research effort upon successful completion of the fellowship and a quick adaptor of cutting-edge techniques relevant to genetic regulation and quantification of electrophysiologic function in cell and animal models.  Consequently, a Ph.D. degree is required with significant proof of excellence in a high-performing, productive basic science laboratory.

Applicants should submit their CV and the names and contact information of three references to:

UAB Department of Pediatrics
Attn: Tom Harris, MD
1600 7th Ave S, Lowder 620
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 205-721-3713, Fax: 205-638-2580