Research Associate-Sun Lab

The Sun Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate protein aggregation and neurodegeneration using directly reprogrammed human neurons
.

The Sun Lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases by developing and applying 3D direct neuronal reprogramming, an innovative approach that converts human skin fibroblasts directly into functional neurons in vitro. This technology enables the generation of patient-derived human neurons while preserving donor-specific genetic and age-related characteristics, providing a powerful platform for studying human neurodegenerative disease pathology in a dish ( PMID : ;

PMID : ). The Sun Lab is also affiliated with the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases ( CAND ) at UT Southwestern Medical Center. For more information about the Sun Lab, please visit the Sun Lab website ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

This position is supported by a newly funded federal APAR
-H award through the BIOGAMI program, with four years of funding (). The project aims to investigate mechanisms of protein aggregation and develop approaches to target pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, etc.)

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge human cellular models and multidisciplinary approaches to investigate protein aggregation, neuronal dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. The project offers substantial opportunities to develop expertise in human disease modeling, direct neuronal reprogramming, protein biochemistry, molecular and cellular neuroscience, and translational research. The position is fully funded through September 30, 2030, with opportunities for continued support through future projects, subject to funding availability.

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

• Ph.D in neuroscience or stem cell technology.
• Proven track record of publishing scientific papers and delivering presentations.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about collaborative research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Hands-on experience in:
• Mammalian cell culture, generation of lentiviruses
• RNA
  -Sequencing, ATAT
  -Sequencing, and other computational analyses
• Molecular biology techniques such as immunostaining, confocal microscopy, qRT- PCR , and Western blotting

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

• Plan, design, and execute experiments related to the research project.
• Collaborate as a member of the APAR
  -H BIOGAMI team, a multidisciplinary consortium involving more than 20 research laboratories, to design experiments, test hypotheses, and validate…