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Postdoctoral Position in Reproductive Aging
Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University,
Northwestern University and University of Kansas Medical Center

A multi-institutional postdoc position in Female Reproductive Aging is available in the laboratories of Dr. Ned Place at Cornell University, Dr. Francesca Duncan at Northwestern University and Dr. Michele Pritchard at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). Drs. Place, Duncan and Pritchard are Co-PIs on an NSF-funded project that is meant to determine whether an inducible transgene from the naked mole-rat (NMR) attenuates aging-associated declines in ovarian and reproductive function in mice. The project also involves complementary investigations of ovaries from naked mole-rats themselves, which are exceptional in that females of this diminutive rodent demonstrate no aging-related declines in fertility and fecundity into their 3rd decade of life! The postdoc will benefit from a diversity of perspectives and training experiences in each of the Co-PIs’ labs. Our principal areas of interest for this project are increased ovarian stromal fibrosis, inflammation and stiffness that occur with aging and whether the NMR transgene attenuates these changes and results in improved fertility and fecundity in nmrHas2 mouse. This NMR-transgenic mouse produces a very high molecular mass form of hyaluronan (vHMM-HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and nmrHas2 mice exhibit much-improved overall health at advanced ages. Direct effects of vHMM-HA on ovarian structure and function in the context of aging, as well as indirect effects via the modulation of the NRF2 cytoprotective pathway, are the mechanisms that will be the focus of our investigations.

Whereas Cornell University will be the funding institution for the successful candidate, the postdoc will actually perform the vast majority of their research at Northwestern University and University of Kanas Medical Center in blocks of time lasting 6-12 months at each institution. The anticipated duration of the postdoc position is approximately 2 years.

The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree in a relevant field and a background in female reproductive biology, be enthusiastic and eager to learn, and have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Ned Place, njp27@cornell.edu .

Prospective candidates should upload their application materials (a one page cover letter that includes areas of interest and career goals, curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of three professional references) to AJO job number https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22160 . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning immediately. For assistance with AJO contact, cmc452@cornell.edu.  

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