Postdoctoral Positions in Neurogenerative Disorders 

Positions are available to investigate molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders 

We are interested in molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying pathogeneses of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specifically, we are addressing two unique questions: Are neurodegenerative diseases developmental disorders? Are neurodegenerative diseases systemic disorders? To address these questions, we have used a combination of molecular, biochemical, cell biological methods and various types of genetic mutant mouse models; and have obtained many interesting findings. We identified early onset osteoporotic deficit and sarcopenia-like muscle phenotypes in AD animal models; we detected early onset hyper osteoclastic bone resorption in PD relevant animal models; and we found that these peripherical tissue (bone and muscle) defects could contribute to the AD/PD relevant brain pathologies. Additionally, we observed developmental neuronal phenotypes in mouse models selectively knocking out AD/PD risk gene (e.g., VPS35) in neurons. 

Here are representative publications since 2020 – Tang et al, Cell Death & Differentiation, 2020; Wu et al., J. Neurosci., 2020; Xiong et al., Plus Biol., 2020; Yao et al., JCI, 2020; Sun et al., Biol. Psy., 2021; Guo et al., Bone Res., 2021; Sun et al., PNAS, 2021; Ren et al., Neurobiol Dis., 2021; Pan et al., Communication Biol., and 2021; and Ren et al., J. Neuroinflamm., 2022. 

Candidates should have a PhD in life sciences and are self-motivated for high-quality research. Strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, and/or behavioral analysis is ideal. The Case Western Reserve University is a top 25 medical school in the US. Cleveland is an attractive, affordable, culturally rich, and diverse city. Interested candidates should send CV with a brief statement of research interests to Wen-Cheng Xiong at Wen-Cheng.Xiong@case.edu . 

Case Western Reserve University strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics.