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The Project Scientist will contribute to a NIH funded project focused on the role of Elp1 in the pathogenesis of Familial Dysautonomia and in Alzheimer’s Disease research (see:  https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI130401, https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI136162 and https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-00879-1).  The successful candidate must hold a doctoral degree (preferably with expertise in central or peripheral neurodegeneration, but at a minimum with expertise in neuroscience, neurobiology, molecular biology or a closely related field).  The successful candidate should have a minimum of 3-years of experience as a scientifically productive post-doctoral fellow and must have experience with translational research using animal models to study mechanisms of gene function and disease pathogenesis.  

Experience in molecular biology, cell culture, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and histology/imaging techniques including quantitative bright-field and fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy is expected.  Experience with proteomics analysis of isolated protein complexes will be beneficial for some of the planned protein-protein interaction experiments.  The successful candidate will be expected to independently design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, troubleshoot experimental protocols, consolidate data for publication and grant applications, present research at national and international meetings, and prepare manuscripts for publication.  Teaching and supervising other research staff, students, and residents may be required.  A faculty appointment in the Research Professorial rank is possible for a candidate with appropriate research qualifications and productivity track record.

The Project Scientist will work independently and in cooperation with the Principal Investigator to make significant and creative contributions to the defined research projects.  The specific research projects are developed under the direction and in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, Warren Tourtellotte, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Biomedical Sciences.  You will be expected to have substantial scientific independence, organization, creativity and motivation.  A significant track-record of scholarly productivity and strong evidence of successful independent experimental design and execution is expected and essential.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

May assist in preparation of grant proposals, submissions, publications and presentations.

May serve as Co-PI or Co-I with the Principal Investigator on grant proposals to advance independent career development.

May serve as PI for certain grants as approved by the PI and when eligibility warrants.

May participate in publications and presentations as author, co-author or senior author.

May develop, adapt and implement new research techniques and protocols.

May lead or train Staff Research Associates, Research Fellows and Post-doctoral Fellows.

Will independently conduct and supervise lab experiments.

Will accurately analyze, record, interpret, summarize and compile data.

Will assist in day-to-day laboratory activities.

If appointed to a faculty position, will be expected to commit a portion of their time to developing an independent range of research and funding.

Education:

• Doctorate degree required. Demonstrated significant, original, and creative contributions to a research or creative program or project.

Experience and Skills:

• Five (5) years of clinical medical imaging research experience is preferred.
• Completion of postdoctoral appointment in area of specialization, as applicable
• Knowledge of PI’s area of research specialization
• Demonstrated technical competency in a variety of research techniques and protocols