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For Postdocs

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   An entry level Postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. López-Juárez, at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Brownsville, Texas.
 

   The goal of our research is finding mechanisms for myelin-regulated neurological conditions in a group of genetic diseases known as RASopathies, including Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Costello syndrome. Particularly, the impact of various disease-causing mutations carried by/induced in genetic mouse models, will be evaluated. Using a combination of behavioral, imaging (EM, MRI, IF, etc.), biochemical, bioinformatic, and molecular biology techniques, the development, structure, and function of myelin will be studied in such models. 
 

   The candidate should not have more than 3 years of previous postdoctoral experience. Proficiency using mouse genetic tools for neuroscience research is essential. Experience with transcardial perfusion of mice, IHC/IF, RNA isolation and qPCR, mouse genotyping/dosing, and behavior analyses is highly desired. The postdoctoral researcher will carry out most of the above studies. Other duties and responsibilities include analyzing data, keeping current on relevant publications, writing manuscripts, and presenting data at local, national, and international meetings. As senior contributor, the postdoc will assist in general lab chores and in guiding junior students in a fast-paced lab. Ability to learn new research technologies, work independently and as part of a team is required. Candidate must be eligible to obtain an U.S. visa.

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   This position is funded by a NIH grant for 2 years, with renewal potential for extra 2 years. The laboratory is located in Brownsville Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley region (South/East-most Texas). With subtropical whether (near South Padre Island) and rich in Hispanic culture, Brownsville offers one of the most affordable cost-of-living rates in the U.S.
 

   If you are interested, please send a cover letter, recent CV including publications, and contact information for 3 professional references to Dr. Alejandro López-Juárez: alejandro.lopezjuarez1@utrgv.edu .

For Students

  • Graduate Students. 

  • Undergraduate students

    Are you interested in neuroscience research? Would you like to participate in the generation of knowledge to help fight neurological diseases?

   The Lopez-Juarez Lab provides to students in the RGV area the opportunity to do neuroscience-oriented research. Students will learn aspects of the design, execution, analysis/interpretation, and communication of scientific data. Students can develop skills in mouse genetics and husbandry, molecular biology/biochemistry, histology, and image analysis, among others. Overall, this is an opportunity to acquire research lab experience for educational/curricular goals, and that is suitable in academic and industry settings. 

Activities include:

  • Conducting and registering laboratory experiments with the highest ethical standards.

  • Collecting and organizing biological samples.

  • Performing behavioral analysis in mice.

  • Conducting data analysis and computation.

  • Creating reports based upon experimental results.

  • Presenting data in diverse scientific settings.

  • Assisting with laboratory community outreach activities.

  • Helping shape the infrastructure of an emerging research laboratory

Preferred skills and aptitudes include:

  • Love for health science and interest in learning about brain function and disease.

  • Enthusiasm to work with genetically engineered mice.

  • Good organizational skills.

  • Skilled in MS Office, particularly Excel (database and data entry).

  • Eagerness to learn to utilize software for image analysis, and statistics.

  • Experience in research laboratory (for graduate Assistantship)

For more information contact Dr. Lopez-Juarez at alejandro.lopezjuarez1@utrgv.edu

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