The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position focused on innovative research in spinal cord injuries. Our team is pioneering techniques and methodologies to promote corticospinal tract regeneration and functional recovery. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic research environment and contribute to groundbreaking work that could lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Gunnar Poplawski, PhD

Lerner Research Institute Department: Center for Immunotherapy and Precision-Oncology (CITI)

Lab Research Topics:

• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Nerve regeneration
• Cell therapy
• Gene therapy
• Biomarkers
• For more information about the lab’s research, please visit: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/immunotherapy/poplawski/.

Job Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Conduct independent and collaborative research projects utilizing rodent models of spinal cord injury
• Implement viral tracing techniques to map neural circuits
• Perform stereotaxic injections and cell grafting into spinal cord injury sites
• Process tissue samples for further analysis
• Carry out immunostaining protocols to identify specific neural elements
• Use fluorescent microscopy to visualize and analyze neural tissue
• Quantify axon regeneration and other key metrics of recovery or repair in spinal cord injury models

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field
• Strong publication record in relevant fields
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in FACS, DNA-sequencing desired but not required
• Experience with advanced imaging techniques and quantitative analysis methods
• Demonstrated experience with rodent models of spinal cord injury.
• Proficiency in viral tracing techniques and stereotaxic injections.
• Experience in cell grafting into spinal cord injuries and tissue processing.
• Skilled in immunostaining and fluorescent microscopy.
• Ability to quantify axon regeneration and analyze data.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 references

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI