Postdoctoral Studies in the Montreal Neurological Institute at the McGill University

We are actively seeking an individual who can join our recently opened laboratory as a postdoctoral research assistant in the Montreal Neurological Institute at the McGill University. The Montreal Neurological Institute is a unique academic medical centre which provides both state-of-the-art research facilities and exceptional clinical care for neurodegenerative disease (http://www.mni.mcgill.ca/frontpage/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Neurological_Institute ).

Our research activities are aimed at determining common and core cellular biological pathways that are relevant to major neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, we have been using genetic model organisms as an approach to dissect the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Our research program, a combination analysis of flies and mice, has proven to be a valuable approach to understand the pathology of neurodegeneration. (Refs: Tsuda et al. (2005), Cell 122:633-644; Tsuda et al. (2008), Cell 133:963-977). The position available involves the project designed to provide a better understanding of the molecular pathology of ALS. The project has the potential to also shed light on general molecular mechanisms of other neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, our Drosophila studies have already successfully uncovered several novel signaling pathways which may be relevant to the core pathology of ALS (see the references). Therefore, this is an excellent position to expand our understanding of pathogenesis in neurodegenerative disease.

This full time appointment is available immediately.
The candidate should hold a Ph.D or be expected to graduate with a Ph.D. in 2012. Post-doctoral fellows should have obtained their Ph.D. not more than 2 yrs ago. Experiences in molecular cloning, biochemical techniques, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy are required. Experience in Drosophila work would be desirable. The most competitive candidates will be those with at least one first-author publication in the standard journal and should be committed to eventually becoming self-funded with fellowships.

Candidates should provide a CV demonstrating evidence of research productivity, a one-page statement of research intent, pdfs of relevant publications, and the names of two individuals who would be willing to provide a letter of recommendation (with their contact information). Inquiries and applications should be directed to Dr. Hiroshi Tsuda at hiroshi.tsuda@mcgill.ca. The deadline for application is May 31, 2012.

McGill University is situated in the very heart of Montréal, Canada, a vibrant multi-cultural city and the metropolis of Québec. McGill University has a rich history of achievements in neuroscience and is ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the world (http://www.usnews.com/education/worlds-best-universities-rankings/top-400-universities-in-the-world). For full details about conducting postdoctoral studies at McGill, go to www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs.

References.
Han, S.M., Tsuda, H., Yang, Y., Vibbert,J., Tong, C., Cottee, P, Haueter, C., Prasain, J., Bellen, H.J., Miller, M.A. (2012). Secreted VAPB/ALS8 Major Sperm Protein Domains Modulate Mitochondrial Localization and Morphology via Growth Cone Guidance Receptors. Developmental Cell, Feb 14;22(2):348-62. (Highlighted on the cover and preview in Developmental Cell)

Mitne-Neto M., Machado-Costac M., Marchetto M.C.., Bengtson M.H., Joazeiro C.A., Tsuda H., Hugo J. Bellenf, Helga A. C., Silva H.C. , Oliveira A.S., Muotri A. R., Zatz M.(2011). Downregulation of VAPB expression in motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem-cells of ALS8 patients. Molecular Human Genetics, Sep 15;20(18):3642-52.

Bellen, H.J., Tong, C., Tsuda, H. (2010). 100 years of Drosophila research and its impact on vertebrate neuroscience: a history lesson for the future. Nature Review Neuroscience, Apr 9;11(7):514-522.

Tsuda, H., Han, S.M., Yang, Y., Tong, C., Lin, Y.Q., Mohan, K., Haueter, C., Zoghbi, A., Harati, Y., Kwan, J., Miller, M.A., Bellen, H.J. (2008). The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 8 protein VAPB is cleaved, secreted, and acts as a ligand for Eph receptors. Cell, Jun 13, 133:963-977. (Highlighted on the cover and preview in Cell and rated as “Exceptional” by Faculty of 1000)

Tsuda, H., Jafar-Nejad, H., Patel, A.J., Sun, Y., Chen, H.K., Rose, M.F., Venken, K.J., Botas, J., Orr, H.T., Bellen, H.J., Zoghbi, H.Y. (2005). The AXH domain of Ataxin-1 mediates neurodegeneration through its interaction with Gfi-1/Senseless proteins. Cell, Aug 26; 122:633-644. (Selected in the News and View section of Nature Neuroscience 2005 Nov; 8: 1422-1424)