Axonal Transport and Energy Metabolism in Neuronal Degeneration and Regeneration Fellowship
Postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Zu-Hang Sheng in National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). New postdoctoral fellows will investigate mechanisms (1) regulating axonal mitochondrial trafficking and anchoring in order to sense, integrate, and respond to changes in metabolic and growth status, synaptic activity, energy availability, pathological stress and regeneration following brain injury; (2) regulating axonal transport of endo-lysosomes and autophagosomes in maintaining synaptic and axonal cellular homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases; and (3) regulating glial-axon transcellular signaling in maintaining axonal and presynaptic energetic metabolism.
The lab has applied cutting-edge microfluidic chamber technology and live and STED super-resolution imaging of neurons isolated from aged disease mice and human iPSC neurons, combined with in vivo analyses of genetic mouse models with gene rescue. The research in the Sheng lab has provided new mechanistic insights into (1) presynaptic energy-dependent variability and reliability of synaptic transmission; (2) mitochondrial transport and energy metabolism in facilitating CNS regeneration after injury; (3) axonal mitochondrial anchoring and energy maintenance in aging neurons; and (4) axonal autophagy-lysosome transport in the maintenance of degradation capacity. Recent publications from the lab include Cell (2008); Cell Metabolism (2020); Cell Reports (2012, 2013; 2019); Current Biology (2012; 2021); Developmental Cell (2021), EMBO J (2015); JCB (2005; 2013; 2014; 2015; 2016; 2018); Molecular Psychiatry (2020); Nature Cell Biology (2001; 2004); Neuron (2000; 2009; 2010; 2015; 2017); Nature Communication (2019); Nature Metabolism (2020); Nat Rev Neuroscience (2012, 2022).
The PI pledges an inclusive workplace that fosters the NIH commitment to recruit trainees from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The lab has created a supportive, rewarding, and collegial environment for doing innovative research with high-quality effort and scientific integrity. The lab is equipped with (1) Leica Stellaris 8 FALCON fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), (2) Zeiss LSM880 Airyscan, (3) two-photon Zeiss LSM 780, (4) Nikon Ti-E microscopy with Neurolucida, (5) electrophysiological setup, (6) BioTek Cytation 5 cell imaging multimode reader, (7) Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer for metabolic study, and (8) AKTA pure chromatography systems. The lab also has access to extensive infrastructural core facility including STED microscopy, electron microscope, and mass spectrometry instruments. The unique open lab space in Porter Neuroscience Building creates an interactive environment. NIH and NINDS provides ample training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows.
Candidates should hold a recent PhD in neurobiology or cell biology with less than 3 years of post-doctoral experience in one of these areas: live imaging of organelle transport and membrane trafficking, energy metabolism, mitochondria biology, lysosome biology, synaptic modulation, nerve injury and regeneration, aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a statement of research interests, C.V. and the names of 3 references via e-mail to:
Dr. Zu-Hang Sheng
Senior Principal Investigator
Synaptic Functions Section, NINDS, NIH
The DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Positions are subject to a background check. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.
The Last Update : 5/5/2021