The University of Chicago is a private, non-denominational institution encompassing the undergraduate College, six professional schools (Business, Law, Divinity, Public Policy, Medicine and Social Service Administration), four graduate divisions (Biological Sciences, Humanities, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences) and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The broader University enterprise includes Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and Yerkes Observatory.
The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are managed by a single Dean/Executive Vice President and comprises the largest unit of the University. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine, approximately 20 academic units, degree granting committees, research centers, and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, ten minutes south of downtown Chicago.
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Sara Szuchet, D. Phil. to study the biology of oligodendrocytes and the molecular mechanism of myelin sheath assembly.
We have recently challenged the 50-year-old dogma that the myelin sheath is no more than a modified version of oligodendrocyte plasma membrane by showing that: i) myelin membranes are synthesized as independent structural entities; ii) are packaged into novel organelles that we have named “myelinophores”; iii) they generate the myelin sheath by stochastic fusion; and iv) the myelin sheath resides within the oligodendrocyte process; i.e., facing the axolemma is the plasma membrane of the oligodendrocyte process. We have also suggested that myelin sheath formation is cell-autonomous. These novel and cardinal concepts call for thinking anew about the basic biology of oligodendrocytes and the factors that are at play in the formation of the myelin sheath and about its pathological destruction. Indeed, the time is ripe for a fundamental change in paradigm on these important problems.
Current research aims are to: 1) characterize, biochemically and structurally, the myelinophore organelles with particular emphasis on the manner they deliver their cargo – the myelin membrane tubules; 2) investigate the mechanism of myelin membrane fusion; 3) demonstrate that there is interaction between the axolemma and the oligodendrocyte plasma membrane in the formation of the Nodes of Ranvier and define the nature of this interaction.
The successful candidate is expected to hold a Ph.D. degree with a good background in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry and structural biology. Hands-on experience with immunological and imaging techniques, electron microscopy and modeling would be an advantage. This position requires an individual with a strong passion for research; someone who is not afraid to face challenges and is willing to contest long-standing believes.
Interested individuals should send a detailed CV with bibliography, a brief statement of research accomplishments and future interests and asked for three letters of recommendation to be sent to szuchet@neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu. The position is available immediately.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer. |
|
neurology.bsd.uchicago.edu
