Postdoctoral Fellow with the Laboratory of Integrated Science

Postdoctoral Fellow with the Laboratory of Integrated Science to study novel neural imaging and neuroprotective strategies in spinal cord injury repair.

Topics: Neural repair, Neural trauma, Spinal cord injury, Biomarker development, Neuroprotection, Ultrasound imaging, Aging spinal cord

The Khaing Lab focuses on understanding the acute and chronic pathophysiological responses following spinal cord injury and developing neuroprotective strategies using advanced imaging and biomarker approaches. The candidate will carry out the research work under the supervision of Dr. Zin Khaing, a renowned neurobiologist with extensive experience in acute pathophysiology, cellular and systems neurobiology, and behavior analyses of experimental models of brain and spinal cord injury. The position is supported by a NIH-funded project examining the development of neuroprotective interventions, both surgical and pharmacological treatment types, following acute traumatic spinal cord injury. To assess these interventions, we utilize the state-of-the-art ultrasound techniques to develop early biomarkers to predict injury severity and functional recovery with high spatial and temporal resolution. The candidate will focus on defining tissue risk for secondary injury following acute spinal cord injury using ultrasound-based biomarkers. This is of crucial importance since all neuroprotective therapeutic interventions aim to rescue this tissue. We utilize various cutting edge techniques including rodent/pig SCI models, histology, fiber tract tracing, advanced imaging including ultrasound and MRI. We have also started initial efforts to translate this ultrasound-based technology to our patients. Our research team is highly interdisciplinary, and we work closely with physicists and neurosurgeons.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated a high degree of motivation, professionalism, experimental acumen, organizational skills, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge and scientific progress. Successful candidates will be expected to integrate well with our research team and pioneer facilitation of rodent experiments, behavioral testing, and acquisition of histology and ultrasound data. Experience with animal work is desired but not required. Successful candidate will assist in the current research efforts which focus on the development of novel ultrasound-based imaging techniques to assess local tissue perfusion and characterize blood flow characteristics in the microvasculature in various animal models.

Position Responsibilities:

• Conduct and oversee rodent spinal cord injury (SCI) experiments, including behavioral testing, tissue processing, histology, and ultrasound data acquisition.
• Develop and apply ultrasound-based imaging and analysis, including image processing, analysis, and statistical modeling (MATLAB proficiency preferred).
• Contribute to the development and validation of novel imaging biomarkers to assess tissue perfusion and microvascular blood flow following SCI.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to support translational studies aimed at clinical implementation of these imaging approaches.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• An entry-level postdoctoral scholar with a maximum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience with imaging, signal processing, or data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, ImageJ, or related platforms) is advantageous.

Salary will be commensurate with research experience and based on the NIH guidelines for postdoctoral trainees. University of Louisville is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and training history.

Applicants should submit an application package that includes a cover letter with personal statement outlining the relevant background and publications, curriculum vitae, and the contact information of 2-3 references directly to Zin Khaing at: zin.khaing@louisville.edu

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