We are looking for postdoc candidates with experience in cancer biology, mouse models and genome-engineering. Please email CV and 3 letters of recommendation to Wen.Xue@umassmed.edu.
Our lab uses CRISPR tools to speed up cancer gene discovery and disease gene repair. Rotation projects are available to explore experimental techniques such as molecular cloning of CRISPR plasmids, measuring genome-editing efficiency, dissecting mice, and processing of mouse tumor/tissue for histology.
Endowed Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology I
Dr. Owegi specializes in neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy (FSHD, OPMD, Myotonic Dystrophy), myopathy & peripheral neuropathy. Clinical research focus is on ALS clinical trials. Dr. Owegi completed medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Neurology residency & neuromuscular fellowship were completed at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Molly McGovern Chair in Biomedical Research
There are a variety of rotation projects that use a variety of imaging and biochemical techniques to assess microglial function in the CNS. The main projects are highlighted below. 1. Dissecting novel molecular mechanisms underlying microglial function at synapses. 2. Exploring new roles for microglia in the spread of neuroinflammation in neurological disease. 3. Identifying novel ways microglia regulate other glial cell populations (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in the CNS.
Department of Psychology; Neuroscience And Behavio
Health Informatics And Implementation Science
Rotation Projects Rotation projects are available to address the following questions: How does the lack of structure in the C-terminal zinc finger of TTP affect the activity of the protein in the cell? In humans, there are three members in the TTP protein family: TTP, TIS11b and TIS11d. Structural studies performed by us and others have shown that while the TZF domain of TTP is partially unstructured in the free state and folds upon binding RNA, those of TIS11d and TIS11b are always folded. We have shown that the degree of structure of the TZF domain affects the activity of the protein in cells and indicates that the protein can modulate its activity through its dynamics. We want to determine whether structural disorder is directly linked to cellular stability or protein localization How do mutations in the RNA-binding domain of TIS11d cause cancer? Several point mutation in TTP and TIS11d have been linked to cancer. In particular, point mutations in the RNA-binding domain of TIS11d are found in leukemia patients. We are currently working on the characterization of the structure, dynamics and biological activity of these mutant proteins to understand their role in the pathogenesis of cancer. How does HuR regulate the stability of its target mRNA? HuR is another protein that, like TTP, binds to AU-rich elements (ARE) in mRNAs and regulate their stability. The detailed mechanisms that determine how HuR regulates transcripts stability are poorly understood. We are investigating how binding or HuR to the 3’UTR of an mRNA leads to its stabilization.
Elisabeth Chair for the Dean of Medicine
Our Danny Cancer Fund Chair in Biomedical Research II
Postdoctoral positions are available for this lab. Please contact Eric Baehrecke directly, 508-856-6733 or via email, Eric.Baehrecke@umassmed.edu
The project aims to develop computational algorithms and software programs for analyzing high-throughput sequence data such as ChIP-Seq RNA-Seq small RNA sequencing data. PhD required. A strong background in computational biology especially experience with analyzing high-throughput sequencing data is highly desirable. Excellent communication and writing skills and the ability to work with experimental and computational collaborators are essential. To apply please forward CV cover letter and three references to: Zhiping.Weng@umassmed.edu
Please contact Dr. Weng for information on rotations that are available in her lab.
Rotations <p >Project 1: Genetic screens for proteins that modify or regulate the activity of microRNAs in C. elegans.
Penelope Booth Rockwell Chair in Biomedical Research
Focus: Adeno-associated virus vector mediated gene transfer for gene therapy, gene therapy of inherited neurodegenerative Canavan Disease
Lab rotations are currently available in this lab. Please contact Dr. Kim.
My research for almost 30 years has focused on obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes and explores the molecular link between inflammation and insulin resistance using transgenic mice with elegant in vivo metabolic experiments and molecular approaches. My research also investigates the role of inflammation and altered metabolism in diabetic heart disease.
<p >Rotation Projects: Characterization of gene which influences survival in sporadic ALS patients. Characterization of 2 newly identified familial ALS genes. Development of a new mouse model for familial ALS. Positional cloning of novel genes which cause familial ALS.
Paul J. DiMare Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease
Rotation Projects: See our lab webpage for more information on Research Projects: https://www.umassmed.edu/boscolab
Elucidating the factors involved in sporadic ALS and investigating protein misfunction associated with neurodegenerative disease.
Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences
Dr. Brown’s laboratory has focused on the identification of gene defects that elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of selected neuromuscular diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), muscular dystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, hereditary neuropathy and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.
Dr. Esteves is a neuroscientist with interest in gene therapy to help treat neurodegenerative diseases.
The lab is currently looking for motivated postdoctoral scholars with backgrounds in genomics and computational biology. Please email the PI.
Rotation projects are available related to malaria and Burkitt lymphoma. Our projects range from genetic epidemiology to directed genomics studying human, parasite and tumor.
Governor Paul Cellucci Chair in Neuroscience Research
Project 1: Dervelop RNA-based therapies for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related disroders. Project 2: Study pathogenic mechanisms of FTD and related disorders in mouse models.
Our lab uses a combination of molecular, cellular, genetic, and behavioral approaches to further dissect the pathogenic mechanisms of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with a focus on mutant CHMP2B, progranulin and C9ORF72. We will identify common underlying pathways as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Rotation projects We apply X-ray crystallography and biochemical methods to understand the mechanisms employed by the ribosome. Potential rotation projects are 1) to understand various aspects of translation via mutagenesis/biochemical assays, 2) to crystallize and work on determining the structures of translation factors and functional ribosome complexes, and 3) to improve computational methods used to determine crystal structures of macromolecules. Feel free to contact the lab for a more detailed discussion.
Please contact the Human Resources at UMass for openings in Dr. Bergmann's lab.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III
Please email Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu if you are interested in rotations.
H. Arthur Smith Chair in Cancer Research
Rotation Projects Laboratory rotations are available to study signal mammalian transduction mechanisms. Several projects are available, including studies of protein kinase cascades, gene expression, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Targeted gene disruption approaches in mice combined with biochemical and molecular biology studies will be examined.
Dr. Henninger is a vascular neurologist with research interest in the neurobiology of axonal injury associated with traumatic brain injury and its contribution to functional outcome.
Dr. King is a computational biologist with research interests in algorithm development and the analysis of high-throughput datasets. His current research projects involve facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other disorders.
Remondi Family Chair in Biomedical Research
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION: RNAI PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT Excellent training opportunity for a person considering industrial carrier in drug development Oligonucleotides represent a new class of drugs, which have the promise to become a major class of future therapeutics. There are several classes of oligonucleotides which can efficiently silence genes in various tissues with acceptable level of toxicity. There are also new chemistries being developed to further improve oligonucleotide tissue distribution and cellular uptake. The successful candidate will be a key part of an intra-disciplinary team working with biologists and chemists to develop novel types of therapeutics for treatment of neurological disease, liver disease and orphan indications. The work will include compounds identification, screening, characterization, in vivo efficacy and PK/PD studies, novel assays development etc. In addition exposure and training in nucleic acid pre-clinical development, project management etc will be provided. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and ideally, have research experience in nucleic acid molecular cell biology or pharmacology.
RNAI MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY/ RNA OLIGONUCLEOTIDE CHEMISTRY Develop and characterize novel RNA chemistries to promote efficient oligonucleotide internalization and tissue distribution. Oligonucleotides represent a new class of drugs, which have the promise to become a major class of future therapeutics. There are several chemistries and formulations developed by us and others that effectively support oligo internalization and favorable PK/PD. In most cases in vivo efficacy is limited by (1) poor PK (2) inefficient tissue distribution (3) compound entrapment in biologically inactive intracellular compartments. The objective of future studies will be development of novel chemistries, which promote receptor mediated cellular internalization and/ or endosomal escape. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of novel RNA precursors, optimization of RNA synthesis and conjugation protocols and interface with the biology part of the lab. In addition, exposure to pre-clinical development programs and oligonucleotide manufacturing will be available. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and have previous experience in nucleic acid / oligonucleotide chemistry.
SMALL RNA TRAFFICKING Discover, characterize and adapt mechanisms of small RNA extracellular and intracellular trafficking for development of novel classes of oligonucleotide drugs. A serious limitation in realizing the potential of oligonucleotide based therapies has been the exceedingly inefficient transit of oligonucleotides from outside cells to the intracellular compartments where the biologically relevant activity happens. On the other hand, there are multiple lines of evidence supporting the notion that nature has implemented evolutionarily conserved mechanisms and pathways for efficiently trafficking small RNAs across cellular boundaries. The objective of future studies will be the systematic evaluation of mechanisms of cellular uptake of different classes of oligonucleotides and their comparison to mechanisms of native RNA trafficking using a combination of experimental approaches, including advanced RNA chemistry and high temporal and spatial resolution microscopy in living cells, Mass spectrometry, cell biology and others. The successful candidate will work closely with Victor Ambros and Silvia Corvera labs and the UMASS imaging group and receive training in RNA chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and pre-clinical development. QUALIFICATIONS:Applicants must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field , be bright, ambitious, independent and collaborative and ideally, have research experience in nucleic acid molecular and cell biology
Our laboratory uses a combination of nucleic acid and oligonucleotide chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology and develops and evaluate novel technologies for development of oligonucleotide therapeutics. A rotation project is available to develop and identify chemically modified self-delivering RNAi compounds for treatment of Huntington and other diseases.
Immediate opening! Two postdoctoral positions are available immediately to study cellular andmolecular mechanisms resulting in immunosuppression after alcohol use. Thefocus of this research is the role of monocytes and dendritic cells indecreased antigen-specific T cell activation after alcohol use.Intracellular signalling mechanisms resulting in decreased NF-kBactivation and inflammatory cytokine induction after acute alcoholconsumption are being investigated. Please contact Dr. Szabo for details.
Background for Student Rotation Projects <p >See Politz, Hogan and Pederson (2009) and Politz et al. (2005) in the above list. The novel microRNA work may be the most suitable for student rotations. Potential Rotation Projects <p >Are the nucleolar microRNAs pri-, pre- or mature? <p >Are they complexed with other nucleolar RNAs? <p >Do the cell cycle related proteins in the nucleolus exist as heterotypic complexes? <p >Does the nucleolus of human embryonic stem cells also share these features (which we have so far looked for, and found, only in transformed human cell lines)? <p >Can vanadium tagging be used to detect specific proteins by electron microscopy, perhaps exceeding the limitations of immuno-EM?
Gretchen Stone Cook Chair in Biomedical Sciences
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Zamore for additional details
Potential Rotation Projects Our laboratory uses a combination of biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics to dissect the RNAi pathway. A rotation project is available to explore the mechanisms that underlie the RNAi phenomenon or the biological pathways in which RNAi enzymes participate in flies, mice and humans.
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION A Postdoctoral Position is available immediately in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology to study the regulation of RNA processing and export by signal transduction pathways. So far in this project we have found that the assembly of mRNA export complexes in live cells is regulated by the PI3 kinase/AKT signal transduction pathway and that, for a subset of mRNAs, nuclear export is AKT regulated. The experimental approach for this project integrates molecular techniques and microscopy, especially live cell microscopy. The postdoc in this position could also be involved in studies of the role of nuclear architecture in regulating gene expression and in studying the role of chromatin remodeling enzymes in breast cancer. Candidates with a strong background in cell biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology are especially desirable. Quaresma, A.J., Sievert, R. & Nickerson, J.A. Regulation of mRNA export by the PI3 kinase/AKT signal transduction pathway. Mol Biol Cell 24, 1208-1221 (2013). The University of Massachusetts Medical School is located in Worcester, at the western edge of the Boston Metropolitan Area. The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology has especially strong research programs in nuclear and chromatin structure, cytoskeletal function, and mitotic architecture. Interested candidates should contact: Jeffrey A. Nickerson, Ph.D. Department of Cell and Developmental Biology S7-214 University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester, MA 01655 (508) 856-2312 jeffrey.nickerson@umassmed.edu
Potential Rotation Projects Identify the AKT phosphorylation sites on mRNA export proteins. Determine the effect that point mutation of those sites has on mRNA export complex assembly and on the export of specific mRNAs. Investigate the role of chromatin remodeling in driving the important metabolic changes occurring during breast tumorigenesis.
Higgins Family Professor in Neuroscience
Potential Rotation Projects Project #1: Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Disease. The student can select projects emphasizing either molecular mechanisms of huntingtin in trafficking in neurons or receptor stimulated effects on gene expression in neurons. Techniques include: Generation of fusion proteins, raising antisera Preparation of organelles Immunocytochemistry, light microscopy and electron microscopy Immunoprecipitation methods PCR Protein separation techniques, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting Autoradiography
Arthur F. Koskinas Chair in Neuroscience
Many rotation projects are available so please inquire.
Arthur F. and Helen P. Koskinas Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Motor Neuron Disease Mechanisms; Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis: a Muscle Ion Channel Disorder.
Potential Rotation Projects One of the five most common structural classes of proteins is the (b/a)8 barrel motif. These proteins have eight parallel b strands arranged in a cylindrical fashion in the hydrophobic core and a corresponding number of amphipathic a-helices that dock on the surface of this cylinder. Equilibrium and kinetic studies of the folding reaction of one representative of this class, the subunit of tryptophan synthase, have shown that this single, symmetrical domain is formed by the progressive development of structure and stability in two partially folded forms. We are currently exploring the folding mechanisms of other (b/a)8 barrel proteins. Our goal for comparing the folding mechanisms of different members of the (b/a)8 barrel family is to learn how sequence relates to folding mechanism. The laboratory rotation would involve studying the equilibrium folding properties of another member of this structural class. Experiences that would be gained include expertise in protein expression and purification, and the collection and analysis of data acquired by spectroscopic techniques such as circular dichroism and fluorescence. Understanding the mechanism of folding and assembly of oligomeric peptides and proteins will provide important insights into a process that is essential for all forms of life. One model system that we have been using to study multimeric folding events is the homodimeric leucine zipper peptide, GCN4-p1. Mutational studies have yielded insights into the roles of helix propensity, salt bridges and buried polar residues in the transition state for folding. We are currently extending these studies to explore the folding and assembly of heterodimeric and heterotrimeric coiled coils. This rotation will provide training in peptide synthesis, HPLC purification, ultracentrifugation, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments, and data analysis. The mechanism by which natural proteins fold to their functional forms has been evolutionarily selected to be relevant on a biological time scale. Synthetic proteins, while designed to achieve stable native forms, have not had evolutionary pressures applied to remove kinetic traps in their folding mechanisms and may have complicated access routes to their native states. By studying the folding of five synthetic ßa-repeat proteins, we will test the proposition that the design principles not only achieve the native state but do so via relatively smooth energy landscapes (Baker lab, Nature 2013). The project will involve the expression and purification of the synthetic proteins and their biophysical characterization, with a focus on the early folding events<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Contact Dr. Budnik for additional details.
One postdoctoral position is available to study the mechanism and treatment of motor neuron disease. Experience in molecular biology and neuroscience is preferred. Contact Dr. Xu for additional details.
A post-doctoral position is available immediately to study the role of genes found in a genome-wide RNAi screen to regulate the cellular response to the chemotherapy agent, cisplatin. The goal is to determine whether these genes function as tumor suppressor and/or regulate the mechanism of DNA repair processing. The laboratory is interested in understanding the role of hereditary cancer genes of the BRCA-Fanconi anemia pathway in DNA damage repair and tumor suppression. We seek motivated candidates with a PhD and background in cancer cell biology. Experience in mouse cancer models is desirable. The exceptional training environment within the Department of Cancer Biology at UMASS Medical School offers a rigorous and interactive research environment covering several aspects of tumor biology. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, and ability to conduct research independently and as a team. To apply, please send your CV with bibliography, a brief description of research experience and contact information for at least two references via email.
The laboratory is interested in a range of DNA replication/repair-related topics including (i) Defining biomarkers of “BRCAness” that signifies deficiency in the hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, (ii) Targeting BRCAness as a replication gap vulnerability, (iii) Defining why replication proficiency requires the FANCJ helicase disengage mismatch repair proteins, (iv) Determining if suppressing gaps improves the health of Fanconi anemia patient cells, (v) Hunting down the cancer vulnerability that defines curability, (vi) performing functional genomic screens to uncover mechanisms regulating chemotherapy resistance.
Dr. Almeida focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Her research leverages patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines to create neuronal models that closely mimic disease conditions.
We are looking for motivated postdoctoral researchers. Send in your application and get in touch today!
- AAV gene therapy for genetic diseases - Therapeutic genome editing - RNA-based approaches to treating genetic diseases - Interactions between AAV vector and host cell - AAV vector capsid engineering
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
National Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research