Selected individual will be trained in unfamiliar techniques by the P.I. or other individuals in the laboratory . Surgical skills, computer expertise, and facility with electronic instrumentation are a plus. The person will work in the well-equipped laboratories of Dr. Carl Stafstrom. Design and perform electrophysiological recordings on brain tissue from animals with chronic epilepsy, including analysis of synaptic physiology, membrane properties and repetitive firing, ionic currents, and network connectivity. Opportunities exist for the development of independent projects involving epileptogenesis in the developing brain, its prevention and treatment.
Surgical skill is a plus.
Perform molecular biology techniques including RNA and DNA extractions, real-time PCR, gene chip analysis, vector construction, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and protein chips to understand the mechanisms of ischemic and traumatic neuronal death. Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in an active, well-funded group to study neuronal plasticity in the control of breathing. Investigators include Dr. Gordon Mitchell, Dr. Mary Behan, Dr. Jerry Bisgard. A postdoctoral position is available immediately to conduct studies on the mechanism by which retinoids regulate neuronal development, survival and apoptosis. The focus of our current work is to define and characterize the all-trans retinoic acid responsive genes that play an integral role in these processes.