Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join a translational neuromuscular research group studying the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and related motor neuron disorders. The postdoctoral associate will lead the laboratory’s human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and mouse-model programs, developing and characterizing patient-derived and genetically engineered models of ALS and motor neuron disease to investigate disease mechanisms including axonal transport, RNA metabolism, and protein mislocalization (e.g., TDP-43 and KIF5A biology). The successful candidate will design and execute experiments independently, analyze and present data, prepare manuscripts and figures, and contribute to grant applications. The postdoctoral associate will also supervise and mentor a laboratory research technician and other junior lab members, and will help direct the day-to-day experimental operations of the iPSC and mouse-model efforts. This is a full-time, in-person position; experimental timelines (stem cell differentiation, live-cell imaging, and animal work) require consistent daily presence and flexibility outside standard hours. The position offers strong mentorship toward research independence, including grantsmanship and manuscript development, within the University of Pittsburgh’s outstanding ALS, neurodegeneration, and cytoskeletal-biology research community. 

Essential Functions: 

1. Lead and conduct research in iPSC and mouse models of ALS/motor neuron disease (70%25):

 • Establish, maintain, and differentiate human iPSCs into motor neurons and other relevant cell types; develop patient-derived and isogenic/engineered disease models. 

• Design and perform experiments including cell/tissue culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, and live-cell and confocal imaging; analyze data using tools such as Fiji, Imaris, GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, and Python.

 • Develop and characterize mouse models of ALS/motor neuron disease, including design of experiments in longevity, behavior, and neuropathology. 

• Interpret results, prepare figures and manuscripts, present at lab meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to grant applications. 

• Maintain detailed, rigorous records of experimental procedures and data.

2. Supervision, mentorship, and lab leadership (20%25): 

• Supervise, train, and mentor a laboratory research technician and junior lab members in experimental techniques and good laboratory practice. • Coordinate and prioritize day-to-day experimental operations of the iPSC and mouse-model programs. 

• Oversee protocol adherence, data integrity, and reproducibility across supervised work. 

3. Compliance and other duties (10%25):  

• Assist in IACUC and IBC protocol development, compliance, and approvals. 

• Contribute to lab organization, ordering, and maintenance of a safe laboratory environment. 

• Perform other duties as assigned or as the position requires. Qualifications: 

• PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical science, or a related field. 

• Required: hands-on experience with human iPSC culture and neuronal (ideally motor neuron) differentiation, and experience with mouse models of neurodegeneration or a related in vivo system. 

• Required: strong foundation in molecular biology and cell biology; fluorescence/confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis. 

• Preferred: CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and generation of isogenic iPSC lines; experience with ALS/motor neuron disease biology, axonal transport, or RNA-binding protein (e.g., TDP 43) biology. 

• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, independence, rigor, and the ability to train and supervise junior personnel. 

• Excellent record-keeping, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Qualified candidate must have a  PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical science, or a related field. 

Qualified candidates should use requisition #26005527 at this link: Home | Talent Center: Careers at Pit | University of Pittsburgh