C240702
Mentor: Dr. Tom Harris, Department of Pediatrics
Key Areas of Expertise: Cystic Fibrosis, microRNA, CFTR function, TGF-beta pathobiology, preclinical models, oligotherapeutics, miRNA-Seq interpretation
Funding: NIH, CFF
A Postdoctoral Scholar position is open to study targetable mechanisms of disease, both pulmonary and extrathoracic, relevant to pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF). In the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) funded laboratory of Dr. Harris, projects investigate the pathogenic mechanisms that mediate disease and therapeutic response with a focus on TGF-beta relevant pathways. The successful applicant will have opportunity to develop multiple projects with direct translational impact using cell culture and animal models in a well-equipped, multi-disciplinary laboratory with multiple collaborative opportunities. The the applicant will investigate preclinical development of oligotherapeutics to improve CFTR function, with a focus on miRNA target site blockade (TSB). Currently funded projects include the use of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) target site blockade to enhance CFTR-directed therapy, addressing smoke and other environmental barriers to CFTR function, and extrathoracic manifestations of CF disease such as renal and pancreatic remodeling. The Postdoctoral Scholar will design, interpret, and perform experiments that address important molecular pathways applicable to CF lung disease with direct opportunities for manuscript preparation and oral presentation at national and international meetings. Prior experience in cell and molecular biology is essential, but most importantly, the Scholar will possess a high level of self-motivation with a strong interest in the health implications of biomedical research. The successful candidate must be innovative and interested in pursuing an independent research effort upon successful completion of the fellowship and a quick adaptor of cutting-edge techniques relevant to genetic regulation and quantification of electrophysiologic function in cell and animal models. Consequently, a Ph.D. degree is required with significant proof of excellence in a high-performing, productive basic science laboratory.
Applicants should submit their CV and the names and contact information of three references to:
UAB Department of Pediatrics
Attn: Tom Harris, MD
1600 7th Ave S, Lowder 620
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
E-mail:
Tel: 205-721-3713, Fax: 205-638-2580
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
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