Position: Postdoctoral fellow in the cell biology of kidney injury.

Description: We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow intent on a career in academic research to join the Brooks lab in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension (https://labnodes.vanderbilt.edu/member/profile/id/12317). The ideal applicant will have PhD in Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field and experience with animal models of kidney injury (surgical and nephrotoxic), mouse husbandry, monitoring kidney function (serum creatinine and BUN measurements), molecular biology (PCR, plasmid construction and transfection), tissue culture, biochemistry (immunoblotting and immunostaining) and data analysis.

A significant portion of the research conducted in our group focuses on understanding the role of cell cycle arrest in the progression of fibrosis in the kidney, leading to chronic kidney disease. We have previously published that proximal tubular cells arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle contribute to fibrosis through incompletely defined mechanisms. Through multiplatform microarray analysis, we have identified cell cycle arrest mediators which regulate the G2/M phase of cell cycle and will examine the role of these cell cycle regulators in acute and chronic injuries to the kidney. Other projects include: Delineating the mechanism and therapeutic potential of autophagy activation in the regulation of immune processes in AKI; and examining if mitochondrial dynamics proteins, such as mitofusins, modulate autophagic flux in AKI. There are multiple opportunities to lead projects and to participate in ongoing studies. The projected start date is flexible with intent to !
have the position filled by Fall 2016.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter describing previous research experience as well as current interests, curriculum vitae and contact details of three references to Craig Brooks, Ph.D. by email at craig.brooks@vanderbilt.edu.