Important Info

Faculty Sponsor (Last, First Name): 
Schuele, Birgitt
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
Pathology
Neurology & Neurological Sci
Postdoc Appointment Term: 
2 years
Appointment Start Date: 
November 1, 2024
How to Submit Application Materials: 

Applicants should submit their application to bschuele@stanford.edu

Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
No. The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY25 minimum is $73,800.

Join Our Diverse and Interdisciplinary Team as a Postdoctoral Scholar!

We are excited to invite you to become a part of our research team! We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to a cutting-edge research project focused on brain resilience using human iPSC models and multi-omics approaches. This collaborative project will be conducted within the Departments of Pathology and Neurology & Neurological Sciences.

About the Project:

Brain resilience refers to the capacity to resist adverse outcomes despite significant risk factors. In late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is recognized as the most significant genetic risk factor. Individuals carrying one copy of APOE4 have approximately a 4-fold increased risk of developing AD, while those with two copies face a 15-fold increased risk compared to carriers of the ApoE3 allele. Despite this, a subset of APOE4 carriers exhibits resilience, maintaining cognitive function despite the presence of disease pathology.

This research project aims to develop human iPSC-derived central nervous system (CNS) cell types from APOE4 donors associated with both risk and resilience. We will perform comprehensive multi-omic and functional profiling of these cell cultures to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying resilience in APOE4 carriers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

● PhD in neuroscience, life sciences

Required Qualifications: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

● Extensive tissue culture laboratory experience (at least 1 year) is required. Good laboratory practices and sterile culture techniques are critical.

● Ability to undertake and complete large research projects and communicate findings to the field as demonstrated by first author publications in respected journals and oral conference presentations.

● Experience culturing and maintaining human iPSCs.

● Experience with neuronal and/or microglia differentiation using iPSCs.

● Experience culturing and assaying neuronal cultures (human iPSC-derived neurons).

● Experience with immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and image analysis is strongly preferred. Experience with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, protein extraction, and Western blot.

● Experience omics data analysis.

●General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

● Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.

● Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.

● Ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.

● Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

 

In addition, preferred requirements include:

● Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.

● Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.

● The candidate should be able to work independently, be highly motivated, collaborative, well organized, adaptable and work well within an interdisciplinary and international team.

● Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential

WORKING CONDITIONS:

● May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.

● May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.

● Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.

● Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.

● May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

Required Application Materials: 
  • CV
  • letter outlining interest and motivations 
  • names and contact information of two references

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.