Post Doctoral Associate

Research Position Available – The Synapse Physiology Lab—Cell Biology Department, University of Pittsburgh

Postdoctoral Fellow

We are looking for enthusiastic scientists to study the role of alpha-synuclein in synaptic health and disease.

The Vargas lab is focused on understanding how alpha-synuclein affects synaptic vesicle recycling by studying the localization, interaction, and mechanisms of several endocytic proteins. Some of the proteins we study are clathrin, AP2, and AP180 and how they are affected by alpha-synuclein. We are building a molecular mechanism using imaging with an emphasis in high-resolution microscopy and biochemistry with a focus on interaction of proteins. Our final goal is to understand how the synaptic deficit driven by alpha-synuclein produces neurodegeneration in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

We use 2 models, the mouse synapse and the lamprey synapse. Lamprey is a marine animal with a special synapse that allow us to have greater resolution of synaptic proteins. The lab’s most used techniques are cell culture, primary culture of hippocampal neurons, lamprey giant synapse manipulation, fluorescence microscopy, expansion microscopy, biochemistry, and electron microscopy. We are looking forward to implementing more techniques as our research expands. Positions will be advised by Dr. Karina Vargas and will have the opportunity to participate in lab and journal club meetings. Candidates highly motivated to pursue a career in STEM or medicine and interested in conducting more than 1 year of mentored research should apply.

Qualifications: Recent PhD in the biomedical or related field. Preferred Skills: excellent lab and notebook organization, punctuality, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and effective communication. The successful candidates must have a degree that aligns with the topics we study, such as a degree in biochemistry or biological sciences, or engineering.

Prior experience in any aspects of the lab’s research will be advantageous.

You can find some information about us in the links below.

Cell Biology Department webpage: http://www.cbp.pitt.edu

Personal webpage: https://karinajvargas.wixsite.com/website

Lab webpage: www.synapsephysiologylab.com

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karina-Vargas-5

Pittsburgh: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com

 
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