Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Description:

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly-motivated candidate for a post-doctoral fellow position to work in translational research investigating the development of epilepsy and neuronal plasticity in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Specific investigative aims include, i) genetic dysregulation in the temporal lobe, ii) structural plasticity during the development of epilepsy, iii) electrographic recording and stimulation of the brain in early epileptogenesis. Some of the techniques used in this project include animal stereotactic surgery, behavioral epilepsy scoring, microdissection, brain-slicing, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, genotyping, whole animal electrocorticography, confocal microscopy. Transgenic mice lines will be used for scientific inquiry, future lines of investigation may include human post-surgical tissue. The candidate will join a vibrant neuroscience community with potential for additional opportunities in clinical and translational research. Potential candidates must have recently completed a neuroscience PhD or at least 2-years of postdoctoral training utilizing mouse models, and have experience with molecular biology. Application materials must provide a synopsis of mouse-related work completed, and list direct publications from mouse-related laboratory work.

Primary Functions

• Plan, design and execute complex research studies, procedures and protocols.
• Participate in discovery projects.
• Coordinate research study activities; lead and manage projects.
• Oversee organization, synthesis and analysis of data and findings.
• Prepare scientific reports, outcome findings and scientific manuscripts. 
• Participate in meetings with principle investigator and research staff in which you will evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and design and evaluate lab procedures.
• Maintain supplies, may require negotiation with vendors, and track purchase orders.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction, delegation and establishing priorities.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

Required knowledge: PhD in neuroscience using mouse models, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, developmental biology or related disciplines, data interpretation, data analysis, statistics, documentation, records management, data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing/presentation skills

Required skills and abilities: mouse handling and husbandry skills required, able to work independently and within a collaborative environment. Experience with stereotactic surgery, confocal-microscopy, electrophysiology, molecular biology techniques including immunohistochemistry, RNA isolation, western blot desirable.

Preferred Schedule:

Position Requirements:

• Minimum Required Education: PhD in neuroscience using mouse models
• Minimum Required Experience: Proficiency in mouse husbandry / handling
• Preferred Education: PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, developmental biology or related disciplines
• Preferred Experience: Experience with molecular biology and stereotactic surgery
• Field: Neuroscience, molecular biology, epilepsy

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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