A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for multidisciplinary studies on the pathophysiological bases and gene therapy for neurogenetic disorders including several mitochondrial inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Specifically, the candidate will 1) develop novel AAV vectors and validate therapy efficacy to correct metabolic deficits by biochemical, genetic, cell biology, and phenotypic analyses using neuronal in vitro cellular and mouse models; 2) develop new cell models to study IEM by genome editing, and 3) use small molecules and single cell approaches to investigate the cellular basis and genetic pathways underlying PWS. This position is co-mentored by Dr. Robert D. Nicholls, D.Phil. and Dr. Jerry Vockley, M.D., Ph.D.

Qualifications or Expectations:

• A background with gene therapy, mouse models, and/or bioinformatics is preferred but not essential
• Must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. and/or D.V.M. in a biomedical field
• Possesses effective communication skills, to write manuscripts for publication of research results and to present talks at conferences

Opportunities Available:

• Career development resources are available at Pitt through the Postdoctoral Association
• Expected to write or contribute to manuscripts to publish research results
• Will attend conferences both local and national with submission of Abstracts on research results (and will present at lab meetings)
• Will be mentored for opportunities to secure independent funding

Duties or Responsibilities:

• Develop new neuronal cell models by genome editing to study mitochondrial inborn errors of metabolism (IEM)
• Develop novel AAV vectors and validate therapy efficacy to correct metabolic deficits in IEM by biochemical, genetic, and phenotypic analyses using cellular and mouse models
• Position is mentored but goal is to develop biomedical research expertise to independence
• Use small molecules and single-cell approaches to investigate the cellular basis and genetic regulatory pathways underlying Prader-Willi syndrome

For more info about this position, visit:https://www.pediatrics.pitt.edu/people/robert-d-nicholls-dphil

Application Instructions:

visit join.pitt.edu and View Requisition Number 25002615 to apply.