Rossoll Lab

The Rossoll Lab at the Department of Neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic in Florida

Postdoc positions in Neurodegenerative Disease Research (ALS, SMA) are available in the lab of Dr. Wilfried Rossoll at the Department of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida (starting January 2017).

THE ROSSOLL LABORATORY

SEEKS A POSTDOCTORAL CANDIDATE

The Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville (FL) is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate for an NIH-funded study on the role of nuclear import receptors in reducing TDP-43 protein aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD) and other common neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Current research in the Rossoll lab is focused on determining the composition of neuropathological inclusions in neurodegenerative diseases and the identification of protective modifiers that can reverse the aberrant phase transition of TDP-43, tau, and other aggregation-prone disease-related proteins. Previously, we have uncovered an important role for TDP-43 pathology in causing nuclear pore and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects (Chou et al., Nature Neuroscience 2018). Our further studies have led to the discovery that karyopherin-beta 1 (KPNB1) and other nuclear import receptors can reduce the pathological mislocalization and aggregation of TDP-43 in cellular and animal models of ALS-FTD (Khalil et al., under review). In this project, we aim to determine the cellular pathways and molecular mechanisms that allow nuclear import receptors to reverse the aberrant phase transition into pathological aggregates, restore the nuclear localization, and establish the normal function of TDP-43. This study is in collaboration with the Jim Shorter lab (UPenn Biochemistry and Biophysics) and other investigators with expertise in neuropathology, neuronal live-cell imaging, and fly genetics. Aside from investigating basic disease mechanisms, this project has a strong translational component with the aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies for proteinopathies in partnership with Mayo Clinic Ventures.

In our research we are utilizing neuronal cell lines, AAV-delivery into organotypic brain slice cultures and mouse models in vivo, and postmortem human tissues combined with molecular biology and biochemical methods, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and proximity proteomics. Candidates with an interest or strong background in advanced imaging, cellular and molecular biology, and/or biochemistry are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Position Details: Candidates should have a doctoral degree and strong research background. Positions are fully funded by a new R01 award from the NIH for at least 5 years and opportunities for fellowship applications will be supported. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates can start at any time. To apply, please send a statement of research experience and career goals, a copy of your current CV, and contact information for 2-3 references to Wilfried Rossoll, Ph.D. at rossoll.wilfried@mayo.edu.

The Rossoll lab is located in the new Mangurian Building on the campus of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. The Department of Neuroscience provides a highly collaborative, collegial, and stimulating environment for biomedical and neurodegeneration research and training. Jacksonville and its beaches offer exciting professional and lifestyle opportunities (e.g. surfing, paddle-boarding, hiking, restaurants).