Neurology Postdoc - Volpicelli-Daley

Myana; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Neurology Postdoc - Volpicelli-Daley to study how microglia influence alpha-synuclein processing in iPSC-derived neurons. This three-year project offers unique NIH/industry networking, career development, and opportunities to present.

The role requires a PhD in biomedical science, hands-on cell culture experience, leadership potential, and strong English scientific writing.

Qualifications

• Hands-on cell culture experience and ability to work with iPSC-derived lines.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts in scientific writing.
• Experience collaborating in cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Culture and differentiate microglia and neurons from iPSCs.
• Perform assays for lysosome dysfunction.
• Measure turnover and aggregation of alpha-synuclein.
• Design experiments in collaboration with Dr. Volpicelli-Daley.
• Maintain e-notebooks and organize data for reproducibility.

Skills

Cell culture

English scientific writing

Team collaboration

Leadership experience

Education

PhD in biomedical science

Job description

Position Details

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Position Information

Job Title
Neurology Postdoc - Volpicelli-Daley

Department Name
311500000 Neurology Chair Office

School/College
School of Medicine

Job Description

The Volpicelli-Daley lab is seeking an Aligning Science Across Parkinson's disease post-doctoral research fellow to study the impact of microglia on neuronal alpha-synuclein aggregate processing. This position will provide access to unique networking across the NIH and industry, career building, and presentation opportunities. Funding is currently in place for three years. Parkinson's disease is the most common motor neurodegenerative disorder. Formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates and brain inflammation are key hallmarks of this neurodegenerative disease. Dysfunction of lysosomes has been implicated in both of these processes and can drive PD pathogenesis. The goal of the project is to utilize induce pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines with PD associated gene variants differentiated into microglia and neurons. The impact on lysosome function and pathologic alpha-synuclein processing will be determined.

Key responsibilities

• Culture and differentiate microglia and neurons from iPSCs.
• Perform assays for lysosome dysfunction.
• Measure turnover and aggregation of alpha-synuclein.
• Design experiments in collaboration with Dr. Volpicelli-Daley.
• Collect and store data in an organized manner to yield clear, error-free results that are easily analyzed and shared with the scientific community.
• Maintain e-notebooks on a regular basis so that experiments can be easily replicated by others and data can be easily found.

Birmingham, AL has a relatively low cost of living and minimal commute times with vibrant food scene and year-round outdoor activities.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship
• PhD in biomedical science
• Experience with cell culture
• Evidence of project leadership; able to drive direction of project from hypothesis generation to final publication
• Be able to proactively optimize and troubleshoot experiments using latest techniques
• Should enjoy the challenge of deconstructing an experiment and determining what worked and what failed and rebuilding the experiment to more robustly generate data that will influence the -PD field
• Ability to pivot strategies when faced with technical or conceptual hurdles
• Proficient in English language and scientific writing
• Ability to work in collaborative team environment

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with cell biology
• Experience with neurodegenerative disease
• Willingness to help junior graduate students and technicians

Preferred Qualifications

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
PF1068P

Open Date
08/14/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Nondiscrimination Statement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Special Instructions for the Position

Pre-employment Background Check

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

About University of Alabama at Birmingham