Job ID: 106376

Postdoctoral position on neuroimmune interactions in chronic migraine and post-traumatic headache

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 June 2023

City: St. Louis

Country: United States

Institution: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

Department:

Description:

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Yu-Qing Cao at the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Center of Washington University in St. Louis.

The focus of basic research in Cao lab is to understand how neuro-immune interactions regulate ion channels and the excitability of primary afferent neurons, thereby contributing to the establishment and resolution of chronic migraine and post-traumatic headache. In translational study, we focus on developing drugs that target regulatory T cells as novel, peripherally-active therapy for recurring headaches and comorbidities such as cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety.

The laboratory integrates a complementary set of tools including patch-clamp electrophysiology, time-lapse imaging, molecular genetics, neuroanatomy, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, immunology, pharmacology as well as mouse behavioral assessment of pain and cognitive functions. We are part of a diverse and highly collaborative community of pain researchers using state-of-the-art tools in basic and translational pain research. More information can be found at: https://sites.wustl.edu/dbrcaolab/

An ideal candidate will have strong conceptual and practical experience in neuroscience. Expertise in primary neuronal culture, patch-clamp electrophysiology, time-lapse imaging, as well as brain anatomy and fluorescent microscopy will be appreciated. Successful candidates must exhibit motivation and scientific rigor to originate, carry out, and publish original research work. Strong interpersonal and communicative skills are indispensable. Proficiency in spoken and written English are required.

Washington University is a world-renowned research institution with a wealth of resources for conducting cutting-edge basic and translational research, with ample opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Center are committed to alleviating human suffering from pain and aim to be the foremost center in the nation for the advancement of pain science. The lab and the institution are fully committed to candidate’s career development and path to independence.

St. Louis is an extremely livable city with a low cost of living. The large metropolitan area has a diverse array of entertainment options including outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and an extremely active professional sports scene. The medical school and undergrad campuses sit on opposite ends of the 2nd largest municipal park in the country (Forest Park; 1,400 acres).

The position is fully funded by NIH and DOD grants for 3-5 years. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, laboratory experience, and institutional guidelines. If interested, please submit CV, a brief description of scientific interests and career goals, along with contact information for three references to:

Yu-Qing Cao, PhD

Associate Professor

caoy@anest.wustl.edu