Postdoctoral Research Associate

A position is open for a Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in cell/molecular biology and neurodegenerative disease to join the research laboratory of Dr. Annie Hiniker, Associate Professor of Pathology, University of Southern California. Applicants should hold (or soon receive) a Ph.D. in cellular/molecular biology, neurosciences, or a related discipline. This NIH-funded research project will study the cellular function and regulation of LRRK2 and mechanisms of LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. The Postdoctoral Scholar will design and execute molecular and cellular assays to study putative genes and cellular pathways that may regulate LRRK2 activation and degradation.  The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as pathways involved in protein degradation and proteostasis. 

Research Description  

The Hiniker lab uses cell biology and neuropathology to identify molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease. A major focus of the lab is the cell biology and neuropathology of LRRK2-driven Parkinson’s Disease. The focus of this project is to identify pathways involved in LRRK2 degradation and test their role in LRRK2-mediated neurotoxicity using cell and molecular biology, transcriptomics and immunostaining of human brain tissue, and collaborative work studying LRRK2 in iPSC-derived neurons and direct induced neurons.

Research Activity

•Molecular biology and biochemical methods including tissue culture, immunoblotting, qPCR 

•Immunohistochemistry and microscopy studies on brain tissue and cell culture systems
• Live-cell and fixed cell imaging of neuronal/immune cell physiology
• Analysis of transcriptomic data with guidance from collaborator

• Prepare and write manuscripts for publication

This is a Fixed-Term position- 12 months - (Renewable after one year upon Pi's discretion)
This position is Grant Funded

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,000- $80,327. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.“

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Strong background in computer programming, mathematical modeling is required. Preferred Education: - PhD or equivalent doctorate in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or related areas - Strong publication record - Expertise in gene overexpression and knockdown, molecular and biochemical techniques, immunoblotting and immunofluorescent microscopy.