Postdoctoral FellowsPostdoctoral Research FellowshipsPostdoctoral fellows are important contributors to the Department's research activities. Faculty are always looking for well-qualified individuals who can work independently on specific assignments, and who have an interest in launching their own research careers. Applicants need a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will need a J-1 or an H1-B visa after they are offered a position. Generally, it takes 3-4 months to process visa applications. Current openings are listed below. Faculty may be aware of unlisted opportunities in their area of expertise. Individuals looking for postdoctoral fellowship positions should review the list of faculty with their clinical and research interests. Inquiries may be addressed to faculty members at their e-mail addresses. See the Graduate Medical Education website for additional information on postdoctoral affairs and on available postdoctoral positions at the Medical Center. Research: LeukemiasPostdoctoral positions are available immediately at the University of Rochester to investigate molecular mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome using the mouse as a model system. Our lab focuses on the zinc finger oncoprotein EVI1, and has developed a number of genetic models to investigate its function. Please send CV and names of three references to Archibald S. Perkins (archibald_perkins@URMC.rochester.edu). Research: ObesityA postdoctoral research position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Mooney in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center to investigate the biochemical and cellular mechanisms responsible for the increased incidence and progression of osteoarthritis in obese diabetics. A worldwide epidemic of obesity, in part due to the consumption of a high-fat Western diet, has resulted in increased insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. While the resulting increases in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke have been well publicized and investigated, effects on the musculoskeletal system have received less attention. Over 50% of diabetics have some form of osteoarthritis in both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing joints. Despite this statistic, current knowledge does not adequately explain the contributions of the metabolic dysfunction in obesity to osteoarthritis. Obesity and insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes negatively affect tissue function through the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and excess nutrient load. It has been hypothesized that the unifying mechanism for tissue dysfunction is an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). The demonstration that obesity is a chronic inflammatory state now also implicates increased circulating proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines as potential pathologic mediators. Despite evidence that obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with skeletal pathology, there are few mechanistic studies employing mouse models. The Mooney Lab has now established a novel mouse model that recapitulates the accelerated osteoarthritis that is seen in obese diabetics. When receiving a surgical meniscal injury, mice on a high-fat Western diet have a more severe progression of osteoarthritis as assessed by both micro-computerized tomography and histology. Investigations in this project will address the cellular changes and molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects. Both mouse models and primary cell isolates will be employed. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with faculty of the Musculoskeletal Research Center at the University of Rochester. Candidates should have recently earned a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. Experience with animal models and molecular techniques in either the endocrine or bone research fields is desirable. Interested individuals should send a C.V., statement of research interests, and a list of three references (robert_mooney@urmc.rochester.edu). Research: PLSCR Gene FamilyWe are recruiting Ph.D.'s & M.D.'s to participate in various NIH-funded research projects relating to the molecular structure and function of members of the phospholipid scramblase (PLSCR) gene family. Projects are aimed at elucidating participation of PLSCRs in diverse signaling pathways underlying proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Gene knockout mice are available for these studies. Successful applicants will have expertise in either molecular and cellular biology, animal physiology, protein chemistry, or structural biology. Interested individuals should submit their CV and the names of three references to Therese Wiedmer (therese_wiedmer@urmc.rochester.edu) or Peter Sims (peter_sims@urmc.rochester.edu).
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