Research Scientist

Duties Description

Position

Description:

The New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (I ) seeks a Neuropathologist (MD) to join and ultimately supervise a team of scientists in our Alzheimer’s Disease/Autism research area, our Morphology Laboratory and our Brain and Tissue Bank. Applicants should have a doctoral degree (e.g., MD, PhD, DVM, etc.) in a relevant scientific discipline with evidence of an ability to obtain independent funding to grow and sustain their research program.

In this position, the incumbent will engage in stereological study of neurodegeneration and neuronal loss in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampal formation in the brain, complete neuropathological staging and focus on developmental abnormalities in the corpus collosum of brains. Responsibilities will also include continuing to maintain the current NYS I  Brain and Tissue Bank’s collection of frozen and formalin‑fixed brain tissue and overseeing its expansion.

On site centralized service include but are not limited to Microscopy Services (Confocal, Light Sheet and Electron microscopy);
Mass Spectrometry;
Laboratory Animal Resource Center and Editorial/Grant Writing Services and Statistical Analysis.

Current research underway in this department includes but is not limited to projects designed to characterize:
1) the dynamics of multi‑regional neurodegeneration and neuronal loss in Down syndrome;
2) statistical modeling of differences between type, topography, severity and dynamics of neurodegeneration and neuronal loss in Trisomy 21 and Down syndrome with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease;
3) comparison of unbiased stereological estimates of neuropathological changes in developmental defects of brain glymphatic system in individuals with Down syndrome; and
4) detection of developmental abnormalities of serotonergic system and brain neurotransmitter systems in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Department scientists utilize Microbrightfield image analyzers with Stereo investigators and Neurolucida and work with colleagues trained in 3‑D reconstruction as well as in matching clinical MRI with postmortem 3‑D imaging of neuronal networks and vascular systems.

I  is the research arm of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), including intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, rare genetic syndromes, and other neurological impairments.

NYS OPWDD I  provides a professional setting in a world‑renowned research facility located on Staten Island, NY, on a wooded, suburban campus with free off‑street parking. The compensation package includes New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) insurance, a generous sick leave and vacation package, vesting in the NYS pension fund, and a deferred compensation plan. NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF) union benefits include tuition reimbursement and dental and optical coverage.

Attendance at and participation in professional meetings and conferences is encouraged and financially supported, and publication fees in professional journals are supported through the agency budget. Telecommuting work plan is negotiable.

We invite qualified and enthusiastic candidates to apply for this exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful work and to make significant contributions to our medical and scientific endeavors to fulfill our mission of helping individuals with IDD live healthier lives. I  offers an exciting and collaborative work environment with colleagues whose research interests span all areas related to Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

• Ph.D. and eight years of professional research experience in the field of Neuropathology.

• The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies.
• Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your…