The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

Department of Neurology

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Research Area

Neurodegenerative disorders & Injury

Position Type

Full Time

We are seeking candidates for NIH-funded post-doctoral positions in the laboratory of Dr. Surojit Paul, a Professor in the Department of Neurology at University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

Research in Paul laboratory focuses on neuroimmune mechanisms of brain injury after cerebral stroke, specifically when associated with comorbidities such as hyertension and early life events such as prenatal alcohol exposure. The ulimate goal is to develop new therapies to mitigate the severity of brain injury in cerebral stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Predisposition to comorbidities, adverse early life events and ageing are all assciated with alteration in glutathione homeostasis in the brain resulting in oxidative stress. Research from the lab has established that increase in oxidative stress leads to loss of function of a brain-enriched tyrosine phosphatase STEP (also known as Ptpn5), and loss of STEP function enhances inflammatory response and accelerates the progression and severity of stroke-induced brain damage (Brain Behav Immun, 2021: PMID 33422638; JBC, 2021: PMID 34246631; JCBFM 2019: PMID 29215306). Findings from the lab have also established a neuroprotective role of STEP in ischemic stroke, and are pursuing an integrated approach at the molecular, cellular and systems level to understand the basis of this neuroprotection and develop STEP-derived therapeutic agents.

The research program presents the opportunity to utilize a variety of approaches including cell culture, molecular biology, protein chemistry, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, small animal surgery (rat and mouse models of middle cerebral artery occlusion), RNA sequencing and analysis, pharmacological intervention in both in vitro and in vivo models, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain, behavioral studies as well as studies using knockout and transgenic mice. Besides research training, mentoring will be provided in career development.

The successful candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. degree. A strong background in neuroscience along with experience in handling rats/mice and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rodents is essential. Cellular and molecular biology skills, including PCR, QPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry would be desirable.

If interested, please email a detailed curriculum vitae, letter of interest highlighting essential qualification, research experience, career goals and the contact information and email addresses of three references to Dr. Surojit Paul at . Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and NIH guidelines.

The University of New Mexico has state-of-the-art research facilities and provides a collegial and stimulating research environment. Students and postdocs have the opportunity for collaboration in both basic science and clinical departments. The environment is diverse and multicultural.