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Name of PIEmail address of PIDepartment of PIPI's lab locationLab websiteGeneral description of postdoc's research project including: goals/aims, techniques utilized, and any collaborations either within our outside of the lab (up to 500 words)PI's mentoring philosophy statement including: PI's expectations of postdoc, frequency of meeting with PI, PI's communication style, PI's plans for postdoc's professional and career development
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Jamie Tamjamie.tam@rutgers.eduHealth Behavior, Society, and Policy303 George St Suite 500https://tcors.umich.edu/Modeling of cigarette and e-cigarette use among priority populationsWeekly meetings to discuss research progress and professional development, open and direct communication by email and Slack, postdoc will apply for NIH K grant mechanism
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Yingda Xieylx1@njms.rutgers.eduMedicineInternational Center for Public HealthPlease contact PITwo post-doc opporuntinities: (1) To co-develop and clinically validate CRISPR-based TB diagnostic and drug-susceptibility test (2) To develop AI models for clinical imaging (ultrasound, CT, CXR) of early and subclinical TBMy mentoring philosophy is to train postdoctoral fellows to think critically, work independently, and conduct rigorous research that advances clinically meaningful outcomes. I meet with fellows weekly and maintain open, collaborative communication, providing constructive feedback and tailored career development to help them grow into confident, impactful investigators.
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Gregory Peckpeckgr@rwjms.rutgers.eduSurgeryN/AN/A Specific Aims Complicated gallstone disease (cGD)—including gallstone pancreatitis and choledocholithiasis—affects hundreds of thousands of Americans annually and requires two interdependent procedures: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to clear the biliary obstruction and cholecystectomy (CCY) to prevent recurrence. Although early CCY is recommended for mild disease, national practice patterns remain highly variable, with timing ranging from same-day to months apart. Evidence is sparse for moderate and severe disease, and existing trials are limited by heterogeneous definitions, underpowered outcomes, and restricted generalizability. Our preliminary analyses of >100,000 Medicare and commercial claims show wide variation in timing (0–90 days), considerable provider-level heterogeneity, and clinically meaningful rates of complications and readmissions. In parallel, patient interviews reveal a wide range of preferences—from a same-day one-anesthesia approach to recovery at home and scheduling CCY electively—yet these perspectives are rarely incorporated into clinical decision-making. The objective of this mixed-methods study is to determine the timing between ERCP and CCY that optimizes outcomes for patients with cGD and to integrate patient, clinician, and system perspectives needed to implement individualized, patient-centered care. Aim 1: Compare the effectiveness of different timings between ERCP and CCY in achieving clinically optimal postoperative outcomes for cGD. Aim 2: Evaluate sources of heterogeneity in the timing that achieves optimal clinical outcomes: - Aim 2A: Severity of presentation (mild, moderate, severe) - Aim 2B: Age and frailty - Aim 2C: Race and ethnicity Aim 3: Identify the range of patient preferences regarding optimal timing and the factors described as most important to achieving individualized, patient-centered care. Aim 4: Identify physician, hospital personnel, and payer perspectives on barriers to achieving clinically optimal timing (Aims 1–2), delivering individualized patient-centered care (Aim 3), and potential system-level solutions. This project will generate the first comprehensive, patient-centered, and clinically actionable evidence on the optimal timing between ERCP and CCY for complicated gallstone disease. By combining national outcomes data with perspectives from patients, clinicians, and health systems, the study will identify which timing strategies work best, for whom, and under what circumstances. The findings will directly inform guidelines, reduce preventable morbidity and readmissions, and provide health systems with practical, patient-centered pathways to deliver equitable, timely, and preference-concordant care.
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Daniel Herranzdh710@cinj.rutgers.eduPharmacology and PediatricsRutgers Cancer Institute, Room 3026, New Brunswickwww.herranzlab.org The overarching goals of my laboratory are to uncover novel relevant basic biology and therapeutic targets in T-cell leukemia, with special interests in non-coding enhancers and cancer metabolism. In these 8 years, I have established a highly successful and productive independent laboratory, as reflected by the publication of corresponding author papers in: (1) Blood Cancer Discovery, in which we dissect a novel enhancer regulatory region of PTEN ; (2) Leukemia, in which we describe the antileukemic effects of SHMT inhibition in vivo; (3) Blood, describing the highly antileukemic effect of a novel mitochondrial uncoupling drug in T-ALL in vivo; (4) Blood Cancer Discovery, in which we describe and dissect a NOTCH1-SIRT1-KAT7 axis in T-ALL; (5) Blood Neoplasia, uncovering ACLY as a novel target in T-ALL; (6) Molecular Systems Biology, where we developed a novel algorithm to improve single-cell clustering and annotation; and (7) a corresponding author review on the MYC enhancer landscape, published in Trends in Cancer. The prospective postdoc will work in projects similar to the ones published in these manuscripts.I have mentored trainees to obtain highly competitive grants, including 5 NJCCR postdoctoral fellowships, 2 NJCCR predoctoral fellowship, 2 Rutgers CINJ Pilot Awards, 1 ASH Scholar Award, 2 ALSF POST Awards and 3 Ludwig Princeton undergrad internships, highlighting the strong and supportive scientific environment in my lab.
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Ricardo Martínez Zamudiorm1238@rwjms.rutgers.eduPharmacologyRT 517https://sites.rutgers.edu/martinez-zamudio-lab/ My lab focuses on the function of transcription factor (TF) networks during cell fate transitions in the early stages of cancer development as well as during aging of the immune system. We use high-throughput sequencing, genome editing, cell isolation and computational approaches to build TF network models. Using this information, we target transcription factors to manipulate cell fates and obtain prognostic epigenetic information to guide clinical treatment.My mentoring approach includes what you could refer to as an entry test that all graduate student and postdocs go through which involves the generation of an inducible in vitro model of RAS-induced senescence in fibroblasts, quality control of this model by immunoblot, RT-qPCR and microscopy while separately analyzing RNA expression data from our previous papers. Once this is completed, my approach to managing a postdoc is very much hands-off, I give a postdoc freedom and the resources to develop the project. My expectation for a postdoc is that the individual must be self-motivated, independent and accountable for their project, and most importantly, that the individual is genuinely interested in the research the lab is pursuing. I expect progress on the project on a monthly basis. My communication style is open, i.e., my door is open for questions/advice. I do not micromanage. As for postdoc’s plans, it depends on the individual, I do not have a preference on whether the postdoc wants to pursue academia or industry as long as this is clearly stated prior to the beginning of the agreement. Once I know what the individual desires for his/her career, I adapt the resources/opportunities for that purpose. However, we must agree that the objective of both the postdoc and the PI during the postdoc’s stay in the lab is to move the research of the lab forward, so that the relationship is mutually beneficial.
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Sophie Astrofsophie.astrof@rutgers.eduCell Biology and Molecular MedicineRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine 185 S Orange Ave, I-520 185 S Orange Ave, I-520https://sites.rutgers.edu/astrof-lab/ A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Sophie Astrof at Rutgers University to study roles of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in cardiovascular development and congenital heart disease. Projects in the lab focus on the role of ECM in regulating the development of SHF-derived progenitors into endothelial cells and their morphogenesis into blood vessels. The successful candidate will combine genetic manipulation, embryology, cell biology, and confocal imaging to study molecular mechanisms by which cell-ECM interactions and tissue microenvironment regulate cardiovascular development. Additional projects focus on the investigation of cell type-specific and cell-autonomous functions of fibronectin in development and signaling (Interested candidates should send their CV and the names of three references to Sophie.astrof@rutgers.eduOver the past 16 years, I have trained and mentored 4 PhD students, 3 master’s students, 12 postdoctoral fellows, 3 undergraduates, and 2 high school students. My lab fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where trainees develop independent research programs tailored to their career goals while benefiting from teamwork and shared scientific inquiry. I take pride in the productivity of my trainees: all doctoral and postdoctoral researchers have published first-author papers alongside collaborative work with lab members and external partners. Notably, undergraduate Ashwin Bhaskar published a first-author paper, and high school student Evan Lin contributed data that earned him a co-authorship in a Developmental Cell paper. My most recent PhD graduate, AnnJosette Ramirez (2024), published her first author work in Circulation Research, where her findings were featured on the journal cover and highlighted in an interview and podcast (@DiscoverCircRes). These achievements reflect my commitment to providing trainees with ambitious yet feasible projects that drive meaningful scientific contributions. My doctoral and postdoctoral students have gone on to secure positions aligned with their aspirations. These outcomes underscore my dedication to equipping trainees with the skills, opportunities, and mentorship needed to succeed in their chosen paths.
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Detlev Boisondb1114@rwjms.rutgers.eduNeurosurgerySPH, 382, BuschN/AThe goal of the project is to contribute to the development of a wearable closed loop stimulation device to prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The project includes prototyping and validating the device in rodent models of epilepsy. Expertise with animal models of epilepsy, regulatory pathways (FDA) is preferredWe expect a postdoc to be an excellent communicator with an open minded and forward thinking personality. PI offers weekly in person mentorship meetings and has an open door policy.
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Gleb Shumyatskygleb@hginj.rutgers.eduGenetics145 Bevier Rd.https://lifesci.dls.rutgers.edu/shumyatskylab/ Postdoctoral Position: Molecular Mechanisms and Neural Circuits of Fear Memory, Maternal and Social Behavior Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, laboratory of Dr. Gleb Shumyatsky. A key question in research on memory and behavior is how the brain responds to environmental stimuli, and a major challenge here is the heterogeneity of cell-signaling pathways, brain cells and neural networks. We study activity-dependent molecular processes in the amygdala-, hippocampus- and prefrontal cortex-associated networks at the level of neural circuits and single cells using mouse genetics. Our focus is on fear memory, anxiety, social and maternal behavior as well as autism- and depressive-like behaviors in a mouse. Our recent work has identified dynamic changes in microtubules during memory encoding (Uchida et al., Nature Communications 2014; Martel et al., Journal of Neuroscience 2016). We also described epigenetic modifications and new gene targets of CREB-dependent transcription following learning (Uchida et al., Cell Reports 2017). More recently, we have found a molecular pathway regulating dopamine function during stress-enhanced fear extinction (Morishita et al, Molecular Psychiatry 2024). The successful candidate will have a recent PhD in molecular biology or neuroscience and a track record of first-class science demonstrated by first-author peer-reviewed scientific articles. Expected experience is in molecular biology (strong background in cloning, mutagenesis, immunoprecipitation, RNAseq and mouse genetics), neural circuits and mouse behavior. Salary is from $63,000 and commensurate with experience.The successful candidate will have a recent PhD in molecular biology or neuroscience and a track record of first-class science demonstrated by first-author peer-reviewed scientific articles. Expectations are to publish in top journals (minimum J of Neuroscience level) and postdocs's future as a PI in academia; meetings with the PI daily/weekly; meet in person.
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Brian Greerbrian.greer@rutgers.eduBHI's RUCARESSomerset, NJhttps://sites.rutgers.edu/rucares/ Responsibilities of this position will include: Clinical Supervision and Applied-Behavior-Analytic Services • Coordinate and direct client intake and discharge activities (e.g., conduct initial consent/paperwork with caregivers) • Coordinate and direct assessment and treatment procedures and assist with implementation as needed • Review and edit initial drafts of session materials, session descriptions, and progress notes • Review assessment and treatment data to perform analysis of findings • Monitor and ensure the fidelity of assessment and treatment procedures • Develop and refine skill-acquisition programs (e.g., curriculum-based, developmental, social skills) • Develop and refine behavior-reduction programs (e.g., functional communication training, noncontingent reinforcement) • Direct or conduct the training of caregivers (e.g., parents, school personnel) Research • Coordinate and supervise research activities including: creating IRB protocols, consent forms, and session protocols; collecting and compiling research-related data; researching published studies; assessing interobserver agreement and analyzing data; writing manuscripts and/or book chapters; coordinating research meetings; tracking research • Coordinate and supervise the development of presentations for local, national, and international conferences. This includes identifying relevant research projects, editing and submitting abstracts for presentations, writing and editing talks and posters, and coordinating the printing of posters. • Publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals Administrative • Supervise activities related to staff training and development, program evaluation, and performance improvement • Participate in and supervise interdisciplinary activities such as administrative meetings, planning meetings, peer-review meetings, intake planning, and discharge planning The preferred qualifications are: • Doctorate in psychology or behavior analysis within 6 months of start date • Preference given to individuals with experience working with patients or individuals’ patients diagnosed with developmental disabilities, or other behavioral diagnoses in an educational, instructional, or therapeutic setting • Certification Licensed or board-certified (within 6 months of start date) as a psychologist or behavior analyst • License Licensed or board-certified (within 6 months of start date) as a psychologist or behavior analyst • Post Docs may work with patients who vomit, or who engage in other forms of challenging behavior, such as aggression, self-injury, elopement, expulsion (spitting out food or liquid during treatment), or property destruction.Children’s Specialized Hospital–Rutgers University Center for Autism, Research, Education, and Services (CSH–RUCARES) requires a Postdoctoral Fellow to assist clinical faculty members with (a) directing and overseeing the assessment and treatment of children with feeding disorders or autism and related disorders and (b) developing and coordinating research programs. Postdoctoral fellows’ responsibilities include direct supervision of the development and implementation of assessment and treatment protocols. Postdoctoral fellows implement and monitor ongoing research activities in accordance with the needs identified by the clinical faculty. Other responsibilities include developing, writing, and implementing policies and procedures for the program.
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Justin Yaojy859@rwjms.rutgers.eduHead and Neck Surgery & Communication SciencesNelson, D418, Buschhttps://www.yaolaboratory.com There are 2 potential postdoc projects: (1) Goal: Determine if noise-induced hearing loss degrades sensory encoding and task-dependent modulation across ascending and descending projections between auditory cortex (AC) and parietal cortex (PC) that support auditory decision-making. (2) Test whether NIHL alters PC function and disrupts audiovisual (AV) processing, thereby impairing multisensory decision-making. Both projects involve psychophysics in rodents (gerbils), in vivo awake-behaving electrophysiology with multichannel electrode arrays, cortical circuit chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations, and computational modeling. My overall goal as a faculty professor and independent principal investigator is to perform innovative and unique research, and to provide meaningful experiences for trainees and students that will aid in their long-term success. For projects, I will provide a range of supervision. If it is the early stages of a new project, I will provide hands-on supervision. Typically, I will provide my views on the outlook of the project, where we are heading with it, and how we can get there. I will also discuss publication strategy and when to submit an abstract for a talk or poster. You can also expect me to know and care about the details of your project. You can expect me to help prepare you for your next career stage. Talk to me early and often about your next steps. This can start the moment you join the lab. I can help you think about career paths and introduce you to others who have better insights than I do on specific career paths. I will provide you with resources, such as examples of personal statements, for applying to academic positions and/or graduate programs.
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Vincent McGintyvm430@newark.rutgers.eduCenter for Molecular and Behavioral NeuroscienceAidekman 316, Newarkwww.mcgintylab.org This NIH-funded project aims to understand decision-making between multiple options, focusing on neural and computational mechanisms in primate prefrontal cortex (see NIH award RF1MH141448). The postdoc’s role will be to record and analyze neural activity from nonhuman primates as they make value-based choices in a naturalistic multi-option decision task inspired by human studies. Primary techniques include high channel-count array recordings, statistical and machine-learning-based analyses, and intracranial microstimulation. Primate experience is not necessary, though familiarity with neural recording and/or neural data analysis is recommended. This project has a significant computational modeling component, performed by Dr. Ian Krajbich of UCLA. For more information on technical approaches in the lab, see McGinty & Lupkin 2023 (Nature Neuroscience) and Lupkin & McGinty 2023 (eLife).Our lab has two related goals. The first is producing high-quality research that stands the test of time. The second is advancing the intellectual and professional development of our lab members. Career development is especially important for postdocs, and I consider collaborative career planning one of my most important responsibilities. While I tailor my mentoring style to the individual, I am a “hands-on” mentor: I meet weekly with every lab member, and I am actively invested in the progress of ongoing projects. I have high standards for papers and talks, which are the most important drives of career success. For all lab members, my goal is to help them find the career path that fits them best, whether it’s academic research, teaching, industry, consulting, etc. For postdocs looking to become PIs, my preferred approach is to scaffold the necessary skills (writing grants, mentoring others, developing long-term vision, etc.), with gradually increasing autonomy, trusting them to take ownership as they become independent.
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Gary Aston-Jonesgsa35@ca.rutgers.eduBHISPHhttps://brainhealthinstitute.rutgers.edu Conduct behavioral and circuit studies in rats to identify decision mechanisms in brain. Expect to work independently, weekly meetings with PI, more frequent meetings when composing papers and grants. PI expects at least 2 year commitment, with grant applications for future career Gdevelopment.
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Kristina Jacksonkristina.jackson@rutgers.eduRARC (on behalf of T32AA032229; Training in Research on Alcohol use and its Consequences and Etiology (TRACE))Cross-campushttps://www.addiction.rutgers.edu/trace-t32-program/ This training program is designed to prepare postdoctoral fellows for impactful research careers focused on the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that shape alcohol use and its consequences. Housed within the Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC), the program leverages Rutgers’ unparalleled resources and interdisciplinary expertise to train the next generation of alcohol researchers.This is specifiied in our formal T32 application but is also idiosyncratic to the specific mentor(s) (across 20 training faculty), happy to follow up (schedule a meeting, or I can share the training grant)
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Nathan Wagesnw369@shp.rutgers.eduRehabilitation and Movement SciencesStanley Bergen Bldg., Rm 923A, RBHShttps://shp.rutgers.edu/research/nathan-wages/ Identifying candidate mechanisms of weakness using human recordings and computational modelsIn short, the postdoc needs to be independent & self-motivated, with a background in kinesiology (exercise science), neuroscience, computer modeling, biomedical engineering
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Suchismita Rayshmita@rutgers.eduHealth InformaticsBergen Building, Room# 157, Newark Campushttps://shp.rutgers.edu/research/suchismita-ray/ NIH R61-R33 Grant: SPECIFIC AIMS Medication Assisted Treatments are the gold standard for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), by demonstrating short-term efficacy through limiting biological changes associated with acute withdrawal. However, issues pertaining to adherence as well as relapse to short acting opioids and other illicit drugs remains a major obstacle, with provoked craving and emotion dysregulation often identified as underlying target processes. While buprenorphine (BUP) safely increases receptor occupancy, and decreases the likelihood of relapse during acute withdrawal, it does not fully engage the core affective and regulatory mechanisms underpinning adequate control over either enhanced negative emotion or sensitized reward. Hence, BUP may be less able to restrain craving and compulsive opioid seeking during stress and/or reward provocation. In contrast, based on what we know, we propose that: (i) the alpha2 agonist, guanfacine extended release (GXR), will attenuate stress-provoked opioid craving in BUP maintained OUD individuals by mediating top down prefrontal control on affective function over sensitized dysphoria, (ii) the behavioral intervention, Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) will attenuate opioid cue-provoked craving in BUP maintained OUD individuals by mediating top down prefrontal control over hedonic dysregulation, and (iii) GXR and MORE, together will provide an optimal adjunctive therapy for BUP maintained individuals, where benefit will be gained from a combined pharmacological and behavioral approach to target both stress and reward-based processes. We will also explore the extent to which GXR attenuates opioid- and MORE attenuates stress-cue provoked craving. We propose a staged approach to confirm the efficacy of both GXR and MORE, independently and combined (R61), prior to elucidating underlying neural mechanisms (R33). We additionally use our well established remote platform to deliver both guanfacine and MORE interventions. R61: AIM 1: To establish the efficacy of GXR and MORE on reducing measures of opioid seeking during stress and reward provocation, in the laboratory. During week 6 of treatment, GXR Vs PBO will reduce opioid craving, stress, anxiety, negative mood, emotional dysregulation, and HR during stress- Vs neutral-cue (H1a). MORE Vs SG Control will reduce opioid craving, stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, HR and improve positive mood during opioid- Vs neutral-cue (H1b). Combined GXR and MORE will demonstrate additive or synergistic improvements compared with each intervention alone (H1c). Progress to R33: will occur if there is an effect size of f ≥.25 for an interaction between GXR and MORE on stress and opioid-cue related opioid craving or emotional dysregulation. R33: AIM 1: To establish whether GXR and MORE will improve brain activation and connectivity mechanisms associated with opioid seeking during stress and reward provocation, in the scanner H1a: GXR Vs PBO will improve regulatory and affective brain function during stress- Vs neutral-cue. H1b: MORE Vs SG Control will improve regulatory and reward function during opioid Vs neutral cue. H1c: In addition to the predicted GXR and MORE-related changes, combined GXR and MORE may improve regulatory function in an additive or synergistic manner. AIM 2: To corroborate opioid craving, stress, anxiety, mood and emotional dysregulation findings from the R61 in a larger sample. I plan to guide the postdoc to be an independent scientist. More specifically, I will train the postdoc to write a persuasive NIH K01/K99-R00 grant application that will leverage my successful grant funding history with the NIH for 15 plus years. Additionally, by taking part in my future NIH R01 and NSF grant applications, I expect the postdoc to be well equipped to pursue his/her own R01/NSF grants after he/she leaves my lab. I strongly believe that along with pursuing a research career, the postdoc should also be able to communicate the scientific findings to the audience/students effectively. To help him/her achieve this goal, I will provide an opportunity to my postdoc to co-teach one of my classes (Health Research Methods and Artificial Intelligence). I expect the postdoc to conduct data analysis based on my own experimental data as well as data that are available on public platforms. He/she will be expected to be a co-author with me on multiple high impact journal articles. I anticipate to meet with the postdoc on a weekly basis and these meetings will be in-person in nature. Although, some of these meetings could be virtual. I will also expect the postdoc to communicate with me multiple times during the week via emails. The postdoc will also have an opportunity to supervise doctoral and master's level students in my lab. Taken together, at the end of the postdoctoral training in my lab, the postdoc will be ready to accept an assistant professorship position in an university.
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Jenny Wilkersonjlw427@njms.rutgers.eduAnesthesiologyMedical Sciences Building, F-543 and F-545, Newarkhttps://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/labs/Wilkerson/index.php This postdoctoral project offers an exciting and highly translational opportunity in drug discovery and development, focused on evaluating novel EphB1/2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors as candidate therapeutics for neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain remains a major unmet clinical need, and Eph receptor signaling has emerged as a promising but underexplored target for disease-modifying analgesics. The overarching goal of this project is to define the behavioral effects, potency, pharmacological profile, and molecular correlates of next-generation EphB1/2 inhibitors across multiple preclinical models of neuropathic pain, advancing lead compounds toward therapeutic development. This work is part of a multi-institutional collaboration with Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; project PI), whose laboratory will synthesize and optimize novel EphB1/2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Additional collaborators include Dr. Heba Edwina (TTUHSC) and Dr. Noelle Williams (UT Southwestern), providing complementary expertise in molecular signaling and pharmacokinetics. The Wilkerson laboratory will serve as the primary site for in vivo behavioral pharmacology, phenotypic validation of pain mechanisms, and integrative analysis of candidate compounds. The postdoctoral fellow will play a central and intellectually engaged role in the project, leading behavioral and pharmacological evaluation of novel compounds across both surgical and chemical mouse models of neuropathic pain, including nerve injury-based and chemotherapy-induced paradigms. Core behavioral assays will include von Frey mechanical allodynia, hot plate thermal hyperalgesia, acetone-evoked cold allodynia, marble burying, and locomotor activity assessments. Together, these assays will allow comprehensive evaluation of analgesic efficacy, affective-related behaviors, and potential off-target effects such as sedation or motor impairment. The fellow will also contribute to dose response analyses, time course studies, and comparisons with clinically relevant analgesics. In addition to behavioral testing, the postdoctoral fellow will gain hands-on experience with tissue dissection and molecular analyses, including multiplex protein quantification using Luminex platforms and immunohistochemistry to examine pain-related signaling pathways and treatment-induced neurobiological changes. These approaches will enable integration of behavioral outcomes with mechanistic insight into EphB1/2-mediated modulation of pain-relevant circuits and signaling cascades. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to lead or co-lead manuscripts arising from this work and will have opportunities to present findings at local, national, and international scientific conferences. The position provides structured mentoring in experimental design, rigor and reproducibility, data interpretation, and scientific communication, as well as exposure to collaborative, multi-site research efforts. This position is well-suited for candidates interested in behavioral neuroscience, pain research, and translational drug development within a collaborative and well-supported research environment.My mentoring philosophy closely aligns with the Rutgers Brain Health Institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary training, inclusive excellence, and the development of independent, well-prepared scientists. I view postdoctoral training as a focused and finite period during which fellows should gain deep scientific expertise, increasing intellectual independence, and a clear sense of professional direction. My goal is to mentor postdoctoral fellows into rigorous, confident, and collaborative scientists who are well equipped to contribute to brain health research across academic, industry, and translational settings. I prioritize transparency and clear communication from the outset, including expectations around project goals, timelines, authorship, and standards for rigor and reproducibility. At the same time, I recognize that each postdoc brings a unique background and set of career aspirations. I work to create an inclusive, respectful, and psychologically safe lab environment where diverse perspectives are valued and trainees feel supported in asking questions, proposing new ideas, and discussing challenges openly. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to engage actively in experimental design and data interpretation, to take increasing ownership of their projects, and to contribute positively to a collaborative research culture. I meet individually with postdoctoral fellows at least once per week for focused discussions of data, experimental planning, and long-term strategy. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed during key phases such as intensive experimentation, manuscript preparation, or grant submission. My communication style is direct, supportive, and solution-oriented. I aim to provide constructive, actionable feedback while encouraging open dialogue and mutual accountability. I view mentoring as a partnership and value ongoing feedback to ensure trainees receive the support they need to succeed. Professional and career development are central components of postdoctoral training in my laboratory and align closely with BHI’s emphasis on preparing trainees for diverse career trajectories. I work with each trainee to develop an individualized development plan that integrates scientific training with career goals. This includes structured mentoring in manuscript preparation, grant writing, conference presentations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional networking. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged and supported in pursuing fellowships and career development awards and in engaging with collaborative research across institutions and disciplines. My aim is for postdocs to leave the lab with a strong publication record, interdisciplinary experience, and the confidence and skills needed to successfully transition to their next career stage.
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John DeLuca, PhD
jdeluca@kesslerfoundation.orgResearch, Kessler Foundation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052
https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/John%20DeLucaThe postdoctoral fellowship in multiple sclerosis (MS) at Kessler Foundation (KF) is designed to provide advanced training in rehabilitation research that directly benefits persons with MS. Our post-doctoral fellowship program has a long history of successful research training for young scientists to improve the scientific basis of medical rehabilitation. This is accomplished by providing individualized training opportunities in clinically-oriented medical rehabilitation research. Our aim is to support the training of post-doctoral fellows in neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive/translational neuroscience. John
The goal of this fellowship is to become an independent Rehabilitation research scientist. The fellow will have a mentoring team chosen by the fellow and primary mentor, designed to meet the long-term goals of the fellow. The fellow meets with the primary mentor at least once per week, but the door is always open. Fellows are expected to design their own research projects, publish their work, present at national and international conferences and submit a federal research grant.
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