The Menichella Lab is an NIH-funded neuroscience laboratory aiming to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and axonal degeneration in hereditary and acquired peripheral neuropathies with a particular focus on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy.
A postdoctoral research fellow is needed for the Menichella lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Dept of Neurology, in Chicago, Illinois. The Postdoctoral Fellow position is to study the molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and axonal degeneration in painful neuropathy, including painful diabetic neuropathy. Starting Date: As soon as possible Salary: NIH Scale.
The Menichella lab seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to lead studies related to our exciting research areas including 1) Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor D (Mrgprd) as a potential therapeutic target for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN); 2) Unbiased approaches to reveal novel therapeutic targets for PDN including single-cell RNA sequencing of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and skin in mouse models with validation of candidate targets using human DRG and skin biopsies; 3) Neuronal-keratinocyte communication in PDN; 4) DRG neurons mitochondrial dysfunction in PDN. Towards designing more effective therapeutics, the Menichella lab takes advantage of an integrated approach combining spontaneous and evoked pain animal behavior assays, electrophysiology studies, in vitro and in vivo calcium imaging studies, confocal studies, chemogenetics, and single-cell RNA sequencing with conditional and transgenic mouse models. The Menichella lab has also been validating therapeutic targets using human tissue including DRG and skin biopsies, in collaboration with our clinical colleagues in the adjacent hospitals part ofNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Our laboratory is highly collaborative and our research program has high translational relevance.
We seek PhDs who are highly motivated, mature and possess excellent interpersonal skills and writing skills. Trainees in this position will be encouraged to present at national and international scientific conferences and to apply for independent funding.
The Menichella Lab provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating training environment. Northwestern University is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world with outstanding facilities and strong programs in place to support the transition from postdoc to faculty or other scientific careers. Northwestern is situated by the beautiful Lake Michigan shore in the heart of Chicago, one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Requirements:
Candidates should have a PhD degree in neuroscience or a related biomedical science field. Experience in molecular biology, single-cell RNA sequencing, electrophysiology, and calcium imaging is desired; interest in learning these approaches is required. Candidates with programming skills (Matlab, R, or Python) are especially encouraged to apply, although this is not a requirement.
Interested candidates should e-mail a single PDF with a cover letter briefly describing their research interests and qualifications, a curriculum vitae, as well as the names and contact information for three references to Dr. Daniela Maria Menichella at d-menichella@northwestern.edu.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.