Post Doctoral Associate--Type 1 Diabetes

Successful c&idates will join an exciting initiative that aims at integrating findings from human disease genetics with novel approaches in functional genomics & chemical biology to make progress towards treatments for type I diabetes (T1D). Our project br- a collaboration led by Ramnik Xavier, David Altshuler & Stuart Schreiber br- aims to determine the functional roles of genes underlying T1D pathogenesis. Some of the known pathways associated with this disease include those involved in host response to viral infection & positive/negative regulation of T cells. We are developing high-throughput assays that will enable us to better underst& the mechanisms by which these pathways contribute to disease pathogenesis &, most importantly, to uncover additional T1D-associated pathways. We will use this knowledge to screen for small molecules that modulate disease pathways, initially in cellular & animal models, with a focus on enabling human clinical investigation of T1D. In particular, the research will focus on: 1) determining the function of genes that have been associated with T1D susceptibility in genome-wide association studies.br- 2) placing these genes in disease-relevant signaling pathways.br- 3) developing high-throughput cell-based assay systems that read out the function of the most relevant T1D signaling pathways.br- & 4) developing genetically engineered mice & human primary cell models that recapitulate the defects found in T1D patients. The project provides an excellent opportunity to develop systems biology approaches to tackle T1D. The Broad Institute offers a dynamic research environment with close ties to top academic institutions across the Boston area. -Ph. D. in immunology, cell biology, or molecular biology-Outst&ing personal initiative & communication skills-Excellent molecular biology skills & experience in cell biology-Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journalsWe are seeking creative & highly motivated individuals who want to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research environment.