Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Seeking a highly productive and self-motivated individual to participate in research centered on understanding how to moderate striatal and nigral pathology as a means of improving quality of life for individuals afflicted with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Fellow will work on one NIH-funded and one private foundation funded translational project, employing rat and non-human primate (NHP) models of PD. The NIH funded studies involve examining the ability of a recombinant adeno associated virus (AAV)-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to provide potent, target-selective mRNA-level silencing of striatal and/or substantia nigra CaV1.3 channels to provide disease modifying and pharmacotherapy enhancing benefits. These studies are aimed at understanding the molecular, anatomical and functional consequences associated with this gene modulation in producing functional efficacy, with the goal of bringing this therapy to clinical application. The private foundation funded project involves extensive, fast-paced postmortem analyses of NHP samples examining the potency and safety a variety of humanized RNA-interference viral vectors. Multi-disciplinary approaches include, but are not limited to, stereotaxic surgery; animal behavior/analysis; dual/triple labeled fluorescent immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization; advanced microscopy including confocal; stereological &/or computer-assisted image analyses.

Candidate must be capable of working independently but importantly must be willing to work as part of a team. Fellow will participate actively in bench research as well as data/statistical analyses; they will be encouraged to develop & submit stage-appropriate grants; they will participate/lead in the preparation of publications & presentations. This position is located in the state-of-the-art Grand Rapids Research Center, 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Gene Therapy

Minimum Requirements

• Fellow must have a doctoral degree in neuroscience or biological science, and at least four years of experience working in a basic science laboratory.
• Advanced knowledge of neuroscience and/or neurodegeneration, and strong understanding of statistics and data analysis are required.
• A strong background with advanced microscopy (e.g.: confocal, stereology, etc.), brain tissue handling and processing (e.g.: immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization), and a willingness to participate in small animal (e.g., rat) handling and survival stereotaxic surgery are also required.
• Must have excellent communication skills (verbal and written). 

Desired Qualifications

• In addition to the required skills above, knowledge of brain anatomy, molecular biology, image analysis & visualization software (e.g.: Imaris®) are desired.

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendations

Review of Applications Begins On

08/05/2025

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://translationalscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.