Translational Radioligand Development Scientist

Scientist I Or II

The Nirschl and Kolb laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite applications for a Scientist I or II to contribute to the discovery and development of novel PET imaging tracers targeting pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. These efforts support multi-institutional collaborations focused on improving early diagnosis and therapeutic development. The successful candidate will lead discovery/optimization by setting up and executing custom tissue-based assays, including autoradiography and radioligand binding assays, competition assays, and immunoassays or immunostaining, to evaluate compound binding affinity and specificity in human and animal biospecimens.

Additional responsibilities include radioligand displacement studies, immunohistochemical validation, and biochemical extraction of pathological proteins from brain tissue. The role also involves conducting surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to quantify molecular interactions. These efforts are critical to lead compound optimization and translational imaging biomarker validation. Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in tissue assay development, protein biochemistry, or molecular imaging and the ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for appointment as Scientist I or II under the UW School of Medicine and Public Health guidelines.

It is expected that the successful applicant will have a broad knowledge base in bioassay development, including:

• Tissue homogenization, biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins from brain tissue samples
• Autoradiography assays using tissue slices or filter binding assays with tissue homogenates enriched for specific proteins/subcellular fractions
• Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements for assessing molecular interactions
• Biostatistical and computational analysis skills to inform Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) and accelerate hit-to-lead development
• Histopathological characterization of brain tissue samples

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a world-class academic institution with an international reputation for basic, translational and cross-disciplinary research and is located in the heart of one of the country's most livable cities. The Department of Medical Physics is one of 10 basic science and 17 clinical departments in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Medical Physics faculty research is broadly focused on using physical principles to improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease and health, improving our ability to non-invasively diagnose disease as early as possible, and for developing, guiding, and non-invasively assessing therapeutic interventions.

Together with our clinical colleagues, we advance state-of-the-art patient care by developing, validating, and translating novel imaging systems, minimally invasive, personalized treatments, and early treatment assessment into the clinical environment.

This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:

• Advanced experience in tissue-based assay development, including autoradiography and radioligand binding assays, bioassay development, and compound screening using both tissue slices and purified proteins.
• Proficiency in biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins (e.g., α-synuclein, tau, TDP
  43) from human and/or animal brain tissue.
• Demonstrated ability to perform competitive binding and displacement assays to quantify tracer specificity and affinity.
• Experience conducting Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments or related biophysical assays for assessing molecular interactions.
• Biostatistical and/or computational analysis skills…