Research Opportunities in the Jaffrey LabNeuroscience, Cell Biology, and Signaling Postdoctoral PositionsWe are currently seeking creative and motivated postdoctoral candidates who are fascinated by the development of the nervous system and the remarkable cell biology of neurons.
Our lab is interested in the signaling pathways that have roles in neurodevelopmental processes, such as axonal guidance and synaptogenesis. A major goal is understanding the roles of axonally-localized RNAs, including mRNAs, microRNAs, and other noncoding RNAs, in axonal function. Because little is known about how localized RNAs regulate neuronal function, this is a fertile area for discovering new paradigms in neuronal signaling.
We are currently exploring the wide diversity of axonally-localized mRNAs, with a particular emphasis on axonally-localized mRNAs that regulate axon guidance and mRNAs that encode nuclear proteins, such as transcription factors. A major interest is to define the roles of axonally-synthesized transcription factors, and how they function in axon guidance and synaptogenesis.
Other areas of interest involve understanding the biological significance of local mRNA degradation in axons, as well as the role of protein ubiquitination and protein processing in axons.
The ideal applicant will have a strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as neuroscience skills. Additionally, applicants should be familiar with microscopy techniques and image analysis software. Applicants who have skills in only some of these disciplines but feel that they can easily learn the others are welcome to apply.
Chemical Biology and Biochemistry Postdoctoral PositionsWe are currently applying chemical biology and mass spectrometry approaches to develop new proteomic methodologies that will enhance our understanding of signaling in neurons. We have developed approaches to detect proteins that are targets of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are both important signaling molecules in axon pathfinding and synaptogenesis. Another major interest is to identify proteins that are ubiquitinated in response to specific signaling molecules or which are regulated by specific neuronal or axonal E3 ubiquitin ligases. Since there are over 500 E3 ligases encoded in the human genome, understanding the specificity of E3 ligases is critical for elucidating signaling pathways in cells. Individuals with an interest in using chemical biology and/or mass spectrometry to study signaling pathways are encouraged to apply for this position.
These positions provide the opportunity for considerable creativity and innovation and applicants with these skills are also especially encouraged to apply. The wide range of research topics in the Jaffrey lab makes it an excellent environment for interdisciplinary training. The laboratory environment is highly collegial and interactive, so excellent written and oral communication skills are a must.
Cornell University's Weill Medical College is located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, immediately adjacent to the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Rockefeller University. This “tri-institutional campus” includes several hundred principal investigators and postdoctoral associates, and has one of the highest densities of biomedical scientists in the world. This rich scientific environment provides unique and unparalleled research training opportunities, including research seminars given by leaders in science from throughout the U.S. and abroad, opportunities for collaborations, exposure to diverse research programs, and highly sophisticated core facilities.
Questions about this position and/or applications, comprising a CV, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references, should be e-mailed to Dr. Samie Jaffrey at srjaffrey at gmail.com. A hard copy of the application is not required.
Graduate StudentsThe Jaffrey lab is open to graduate students with diverse interests, including Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, and Developmental Biology. Recent rotation students include those enrolled in the Tri-Institutional Chemical Biology Program, Computational Biology Program, and MD/PhD program.
Interested students should e-mail Samie Jaffrey to arrange a rotation.