Positions of 2-3 Postdocs and Technician at Johns Hopkins Medicine
Xiaobo Mao Lab in neurodegenerative diseases
The laboratory of Dr. Xiaobo Mao is well-funded by NIH/NIA/NINDS/NCI and other private foundations. We seek applications for postdocs and technicians to study the underlying mechanism of prion-like spreading of pathogenic proteinopathies in neurodegeneration diseases. The current study focuses on the cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Lewy bodies dementia. My laboratory employs advanced technologies, including prion-like spread and parabiosis model, high-throughput screening platforms, protein misfolding cyclic amplification, nanobody, PROTAC, nanomaterials, compound, and protein microarray, to explore new molecular mechanisms and identify new agents to prevent aging-related pathogenesis.
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More details in www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/xiaobo-mao
My laboratory has been at the forefront of exploring the role of prion-like proteins in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, including protein misfolding strains and structures, pathology spread, neurotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. We have pioneered the understanding of the cell-to-cell transmission of pathogenic α-syn, learning that lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an essential receptor that mediates the internalization of α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF) (Science 2016, PNAS 2021). This work is selected as one of the 40 key discoveries in 200-years Parkinson’s disease basic research. Internalized PFF further induces the activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and PAR accumulation, converting α-syn into a highly toxic strain (PAR-PFF). Both depletion and inhibition of PARP1 significantly inhibit PFF-induced neurodegeneration (Science 2018). The nanomaterial application can greatly benefit for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with nanozyme scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Nano Today 2021).
Highly self-motivated candidates with a Ph.D. or M.D. degree in the fields of neuroscience, neuroimmune, molecular biology, cell biology, neurology, biochemistry, or biophysics. Required is a demonstrated record of achievements and publications. Candidates are expected to have a strong work ethic, excellent organizational and communication skills, and critical thinking abilities.
3 positions are currently open (released 9/15/2021) and long-term active (5 years)
• Position #1 is open to study α-synuclein strains. Candidates should have a background in protein biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Position #2 is open to study prion-like cell-to-cell transmission mechanisms. Expertise in cell biology and animals is preferred. Candidates with experience using viral vectors, stereotaxic surgery, and microscopy are preferred.
• Position #3 is open to study the effect of immune on neurodegeneration. Expertise in neuroinflammation, receptor-related cell biology, and gene editing is preferred.
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Visiting student and scientist positions opening, long-term active
Mao lab has a long-time experience receive the visiting student, scientists, and faculty to work in the lab. After the training at Johns Hopkins, we have published several high-impact peer-reviewed papers, such as Nano Today, PNAS, etc.
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Applicants should submit their CV, a letter outlining interest and motivations, and names and contact information of three references to xmao4@jhmi.edu.
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