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Postdoctoral Fellow
Postodoctoral scholar to study activity-dependent local translation in synaptic plasticity Full-time
We are seeking talented, highly motivated candidates with interests in integrated light and in situ cryo-electron tomography approaches to study activity-dependent mechanisms of local translation and synaptic plasticity in the Freyberg laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Freyberg lab uses innovative live imaging approaches including live-cell imaging including super-resolution, widefield, and TIRF to study mechanisms of local translation in neurons. We have also integrated these imaging approaches with in situ cryo-electron tomography to capture dynamic processes critical for cell secretion across scales from the whole cell to individual molecules. These studies have led us to recently discover a new form of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) termed Ribosome-Associated Vesicles (RAVs). RAVs are highly dynamic and move to sites of local activity to initiate activity-dependent translation – a key mechanism of synaptic plasticity. We are now translating our findings to define the fundamental mechanisms of activity-dependent local translation and to models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of our recent publications include:
Ribosome-Associated Vesicles: a dynamic vesicular endoplasmic reticulum in secretory cells. Science Advances (2020).
https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/14/eaay9572
Three-dimensional analysis of mitochondrial crista ultrastructure in a Leigh Syndrome patient by in situ cryo-electron tomography. iScience (2018). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004218301020
Our lab seeks motivated, creative researchers to study these pathways using complementary pharmacology, molecular cell biology, and imaging approaches. We invite candidates with experience in any of but not limited to any of the following areas: (1) cell biology/trafficking, (2) 2D and 3D live-cell imaging, and/or (3) cryo-EM/cryo-ET. Successful candidates will work in a highly collaborative interdisciplinary research program that integrates neurobiology, and cutting-edge light and EM imaging and translates it to neurobiology in health and disease.
Our lab is well-funded by NIH, DoD, and foundation grants and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We are in one of the most vibrant communities of scientists in the country, based both at the University of Pittsburgh and the neighboring Carnegie Mellon University. Being in a large academic medical center, the laboratory has an established network of collaborators working in both basic biology and translational research. The laboratory also benefits from being centrally located in Pittsburgh, one of the fastest growing, affordable cities in the United States.
To apply, interested applicants should send their cover letter including research interests, CV and 2-3 reference letters to freyberg@pitt.edu
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