The Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Science at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the lab of Dr. Shirley Yan. The individual will be trained in the development of a research program who's focus will be on the study of mitochondrial and synaptic function and neurodegeneration in primary neurons and in brain of in vivo animal model.

Responsibilities of the individual will include:

1)      Perform of laboratory research in the area of neurodegeneration and mitochondrial function including mitochondrial and synaptic structure and function alterations.

2)       Analysis of mitochondrial function, dynamics, axonal transport, mitochondrial and synaptic morphology, transfection in primary and continuous cell lines, viral transfections in vitro and in vivo.

3)      Perform primary mouse neuronal culture, immunostaining/fluorescence and confocal microscopy neuroanatomy and neuropathology in vitro cultured neurons and in vivo brain section.

4)      Perform plasmid DNA preparation, immunoblotting and RNA analysis for protein expression and pattern and gene changes.

Perform literature searches, manage data, analyze experimental results and published data.Participate to the development of an extramurally funded research program by assisting PIs with NIH grants

The candidate will be involved in all scientific, experimental and administrative aspects of this research project as well as data analysis, including  assisting the PI on project activities as well as editing manuscripts for reports and publications.

Additional responsibilities include academic research in accordance with our compliance and excellence in quality care programs, to include active participation in the education of research fellows, residents and medical students. Responsibilities include participation in the academic and research missions of the University and the Department of Surgery.