Postdoctoral Scholar
The Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA invites applications for a position at the level of Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Julia J. Mack. The main focus of research is to identify novel pathways and mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and associated vascular inflammation for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease. The candidate will spend the majority of their time performing research and is expected to present their work at laboratory meetings as well as departmental and scientific conferences.
Requirements: MD or PhD or MD/PhD. Research experience and publication record are a must.
The project is focused on endothelial mechanotransduction in response to different flow profiles to study how the plasma membrane composition and stiffness affects the establishment of localized signaling nodes. The project will use live cell imaging to record real time changes in calcium activity, plasma membrane fluidity, cell stiffness and immune cell binding. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo systems will be used to quantify changes in the endothelial inflammatory state and assess vascular permeability and inflammation. The project will use an in vivo model of hypercholesterolemia to assess atherosclerotic plaque progression with endothelial manipulation using Cre-lox system. The proposed research will explore how endothelial plasma membrane microdomains control signaling pathways that are important for vascular health. The project leverages multidisciplinary expertise in vascular biology, force microscopy, live cell imaging, confocal microscopy and endothelial signaling to study how blood flow forces influence cardiovascular health.
The candidate is expected to perform essential experimental techniques including mammalian cell culture, live cell imaging, tissue harvest and processing (with a focus on the aorta), cell and molecular biology assays, atomic force microscopy and high-resolution confocal imaging.
Candidate will be expected to:
• Design, execute and analyze experiments for manuscript preparation
• Participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations
• Contribute to training/supervision of students and technicians in the lab
A MD or PhD or MD/PhD is required. Candidates with a strong background in studies of the vascular biology, molecular immunology, molecular biology and/or related disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy.