Job Description

Job Description

The Nirschl and Kolb laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite applications for a Scientist I or II to contribute to the discovery and development of novel PET imaging tracers targeting pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. These efforts support multi-institutional collaborations focused on improving early diagnosis and therapeutic development. The successful candidate will lead discovery/optimization by setting up and executing custom tissue-based assays, including autoradiography and radioligand-binding assays, competition assays, and immunoassays or immunostaining, to evaluate compound binding affinity and specificity in human and animal biospecimens. Additional responsibilities include radioligand displacement studies, immunohistochemical validation, and biochemical extraction of pathological proteins from brain tissue. The role also involves conducting surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to quantify molecular interactions. These efforts are critical to lead compound optimization and translational imaging biomarker validation. Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in tissue assay development, protein biochemistry, or molecular imaging and the ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment.

It is expected that the successful applicant will have a broad knowledge base in bioassay development, including:

A. Histopathological characterization of brain tissue samples, including autoradiography using tissue sections

B. Tissue homogenization, biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins from brain tissue samples,

C. Radioligand binding assays using tissue slices, homogenates, and purified proteins,

D. Autoradiography experiments for evaluating tracer binding,

E. Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements for assessing molecular interactions.

• Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles: Scientist I or Scientist II. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist. 

Key Job Responsibilities:

- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

- Serves as a central point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

- Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures

- Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

- Assists with ordering, tracking, and maintenance of lab instruments and radiolabeled compounds; ensuring appropriate safety, documentation and regulatory compliance (e.g., EH&S, ORS)

- Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

- Contributes to invention disclosures and intellectual property documentation related to new imaging agents

- Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

Apply here:

-scientist-madison-wisconsin-united-states

Job number : JR10005935

Job Profile: Scientist I or Scientist II

Education:

PhD Degree required; focus in bioanalytical science, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field required.

Qualifications:

Required:

• PhD Degree required; focus in bioanalytical science, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field required.
• See Key Job Responsibilities above
• Recommended: >= 2 years of post-doctoral experience or equivalent industry experience

Preferred:

• Advanced experience in tissue-based assay development, including autoradiography and radioligand binding assays using both tissue slices and purified proteins.
• Proficiency in biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins (e.g., α-synuclein, tau) from human and animal brain tissue.
• Demonstrated ability to perform competitive binding and displacement assays to quantify tracer specificity and affinity.
• Experience conducting Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments or related biophysical assays for assessing molecular interactions.
• Familiarity with histopathological techniques, including immunostaining and tissue sectioning for quantitative analysis.
• Strong record of collaborative research in interdisciplinary, multi-site translational programs.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex experimental systems and contribute to project design.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of scientific rigor, data documentation, and reproducibility.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collegial academic research environment.

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