Postdoctoral Researcher - Neurosciences

 We are looking for a self-motivated, independent, and goal-oriented postdoc to lead a project on the role of metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms in the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategies for epilepsy in the laboratory of Dr. Jong Rho at the University of California, San Diego. Our group studies how alterations in cellular metabolism and bioenergetics mediate cell death and hippocampal circuit dysfunction in epilepsy. In particular, we are interested in the mechanisms through which the ketogenic diet (and related metabolic substrates/enzymes) affords neuroprotection and seizure reduction in rodent models of epilepsy. We aim to identify therapeutic targets within metabolic and cellular signaling pathways for attenuating or reversing epileptogenesis.

Our small and collaborative environment provides abundant opportunities to flex independent muscles, train in new techniques, and supervise and teach undergraduate students. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in grant writing and manuscript preparation with PI guidance.

The Rho lab is located in the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute on UCSD’s Health Sciences campus, and is part of a growing community of neurodevelopment labs that have regular joint meetings, collaborate, and share expertise. The world-renowned UCSD Neurosciences department also benefits by being at the heart of the greater San Diego’s collaborative scientific ecosystem.

The position is a renewable two-year position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Full benefits including comprehensive health/vision/dental insurance, paid vacation, paternity leave, and retirement benefits as offered to the UAW postdoctoral workers by the University of California. UCSD has a strong postdoctoral community that offers social events, seminars, and career development resources. The San Diego metropolitan area has everything one might wish to find in a booming metropolis with a smaller footprint (interesting neighborhoods, sports, arts, culture, international airport) plus sunny weather and abundant natural spaces to boot.

Whether in the lab or outside of it, there will always be something interesting to do.

Please send a CV, cover letter describing your research interests, contact information for three references, and copies of one first author publication and 1-2 additional research papers for which a prominent role was played to Professor Rho at jrho@health.ucsd.edu.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.