Postdoctoral position in research myelination

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

An NMSS funded postdoctoral fellowship is available in the laboratory of Dr. Ian

D. Duncan to study the cellular and molecular basis of demyelination and remyelination in a unique large animal model. In this disease, the entire CNS is involved and remyelination occurs spontaneously yet can be manipulated. More prolonged disease leads to some loss of axons in the spinal cord. We plan to identify the cellular response in both the optic nerve and spinal cord and identify differences that may explain the more severe disease in the optic nerve.

We wish to determine the cell or cells responsible for the large-scale remyelination. We will use RNAseq to identify the key molecular players in both phases of disease. MRI will be carried out during disease and remyelination to define imaging parameters of myelin repair and axon loss.

• Study the cellular and molecular basis of demyelination and remyelination in a large animal model.
• Identify the cellular response in the optic nerve and spinal cord and investigate differences that may explain the more severe disease in the optic nerve.
• Determine the cell or cells responsible for large-scale remyelination.
• Use RNAseq to identify key molecular players in both phases of disease.
• Carry out MRI during disease and remyelination to define imaging parameters of myelin repair and axon loss.

• MD or equivalent and/or a PhD in neuroscience; preferably background in glial cell biology.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: animal models, imaging, immunolabeling, molecular biology techniques including RT PCR and RNA isolation.
• Applicants must be fluent in spoken and written English.
• Applicants should submit a CV, brief summary of their research background and names and contacts of three referees.