Title of the Position: Postgraduate Researcher
Department and School: Pathology, Yale School of Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Dates: Starting February 2025 until positions are filled
Email/Website:
https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/caleigh-mandel-brehm/
Introduction of School/Department:
This is an exciting opportunity in a newly established lab in the Pathology department at Yale School of Medicine. In addition to life in the CMB lab, the position provides an immersive experience into the world of translational research and medicine. Postgrads will be encouraged to attend seminars, meetings, conferences and departmental gatherings. In addition, postgrads have access to the Yale Postgraduate Research Association (YPGA), where one can socialize, network and collaborate through the next phase of their professional life.
Overview of the Position:
Mission. The Mandel-Brehm is seeking to fill multiple positions for study of the root causes of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), a high risk, poorly understood class of human disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Over the past few years, through use of newly developed molecular technologies, Caleigh and her collaborators have opened the field to understanding several forms of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=716716562084366), as well additional disorders that await our investigation. Beyond a better understanding of these specific diseases, our studies deepen fundamental knowledge of the intersection between the nervous and immune systems. For example, why certain regions of the CNS are preferentially vulnerable to attack by the immune system, are at the core of our research program. Additionally, we are exploring unexpected triggers of autoimmune neurological disorders, such as viral and bacterial infections. These approaches capitalize on the mentor’s formal training in neuroscience and established collaborations with clinicians and clinician-scientists.
Training: There are multiple ongoing and emerging translational research and basic research projects for interested individuals. All projects have in common the potential for discovery of disease mechanisms and development of therapeutics, through training in cutting edge approaches such as programmable phage display and mass spectrometry. Additional methods to be mastered include sample processing, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture and microscopy. Additionally, those with bioinformatics or machine learning backgrounds have an additional opportunity to discover novel disease footprints in immune profiling datasets that remain largely unexplored.
Mentoring: Career development is a high priority for the PI. Beyond training in research, mentoring through scientific writing, review of scientific journal articles, and seminar presentations both at Yale and relevant scientific meetings, will provide visibility and preparation for a career in academia or industry. The lab has weekly lab meetings to receive feedback on project progress as well as weekly one-on-ones with Dr. Mandel-Brehm.
Education: Seminars and informal literature readings will be tailored to individual goals. Candidates will be encouraged to audit Yale undergraduate or graduate level classes if the knowledge or exposure will help to launch next steps in their career.
Qualifications:
Students with either Bachelor or Master degrees are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate would be highly motivated, have an interest in neuroimmunology and an eagerness to learn.
Process to apply:
The position will remain open until the positions are filled. Interested applicants please send a brief statement of interest and curriculum vitae with contact information for three references to Dr. Caleigh Mandel-Brehm caleigh.mandel-brehm@yale.edu. Feel free to reach out by email before applying to zoom and learn more.