Postdoctoral Scholar

The Department of Neuroscience is a basic research department focusing on synaptic biology and glia biology. The lab of Dr. Yang investigates neuron to glia signaling and pathogenic roles of glial mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases ALS and recently AD (Tauopathy). The lab employs novel genetically modified mouse and viral tools, in combination with primary glia and neuronal cultures, cell biological imaging, and biochemical/molecular techniques. The Yang lab also has extensive collaborations for in vivo glial imaging.

The Yang lab is seeking a highly motivated and well-trained postdoc scholar who is interested in glia and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, the Yang lab has discovered the roles of secreted endosome-derived exosome signaling between neurons and astrocytes in CNS development. These studies (PMCID: PMC6742670, PMCID: PMC10449881) have shown not only how exosome-mediated transfer of miRs or surface signals can regulate astrocyte or neuron development, but also how loss of such signals disrupts astrocyte-mediated protection in ALS (PMCID: PMC11601204). In addition, the Yang lab is actively investigating how glial cells influence formation and clearance of protein aggregates (TDP43 and Tau) that are implicated in ALS and AD. In particular, the Yang lab is focusing on how specific disease-associated microglial genes dysregulate microglial phagocytosis and lysosome functions during clearance of protein aggregates (PMCID: PMC13174279). The new postdoc will be working on specific projects related to these topics.

Essential Functions:

• Research design and execution 60%
• Result analysis, data organization, and manuscript writing 30%
• Mentoring undergraduate students and general lab responsibilities10%

Basic Requirements:

• Candidate has a strong PhD training and experimental skills in Neuroscience and/or relevant disciplines (Biochemistry/Cell biology/Molecular Genetics).
• A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Is able to present well and have good communications with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills and solid foundation in Biochemistry or Molecular or Cellular Neuroscience is highly preferred.
• Have sufficient scientific writing skills.
• Able to be adaptive to evolving projects and experimental approaches.