We are currently recruiting highly motivated, independent, and creative researchers at the graduate and postdoctoral level to join our team.
The focus of our research is on understanding the physiological contributions of ion channels and GPCRs to the control of blood flow in the brain. We are interested in determining how this control is disrupted in dementia, and we aim to develop novel approaches to correct blood flow deficits in this context to protect the brain and/or rescue neuronal function.
Techniques in use in the lab include in vivo two photon microscopy to measure calcium and blood flow in the brains of anesthetized or awake and freely behaving animals, miniscope imaging of blood flow and neuronal activity in freely behaving animals, patch clamp electrophysiology on cells of the neurovascular unit, optogenetics, DREADDs, and pressure myography on isolated brain microvessels.
Our particular focus at present is on two major threads, each of which is funded by the NIH. We are exploring the role of pericytes in brain blood flow control through an R01 provided by the National Institutes on Aging, and we are examining plasticity in the vasculature through a Directors New Innovator Award (DP2) via the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and an Innovative Project Award from the American Heart Association.
The department of physiology at the University of Maryland Baltimore is internationally recognized and has especially strong traditions in neuroscience, cardiovascular-renal biology, and reproductive biology. The University is located in Baltimore, adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Raven’s M&T Bank Stadium and within walking distance of the first-rate restaurants, shopping, and entertainment at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The areas of Mt Vernon, Federal Hill, Hamden, Fells Point, Canton, and Harbor East are vibrant, rapidly growing communities with excellent residential options. Nationally ranked schools from kindergarten through high school are found in Baltimore's many private academies and the surrounding county public school systems.
The ideal candidate will have a PhD in physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience or a related discipline. Prior experience in one or more of the approaches described above is preferred but not essential. More important is dedication to, and passion for, cutting-edge research.
Interested applicants should send their CV and references to: