Postdoctoral Researcher in Vascular Biology - Beleford Lab

Dr. Daniah Beleford’s lab, within the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology (Faculty Bio) and the Department of Pediatrics (Faculty Bio) at the University of California Davis, is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to participate in both basic and translational vascular biology research. Successful candidates will enjoy a supportive, diverse, and stimulating laboratory and departmental environment, filled with lots of collaboration, cutting-edge instrumentation and facilities, and a strong culture of training and mentorship.

The Beleford Lab studies underlying changes in molecular signaling that cause vascular malformations (abnormal development of arteries, veins, lymphatics) in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and other genetic vascular conditions. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare Mendelian vascular condition that is characterized by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), direct connections between arteries and veins without intervening capillary beds. It has previously been shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genetic modifier PTPN14 (protein tyrosinephosphatase, nonreceptor, 14) associate with pulmonary AVMs in two large HHT cohorts. Our preliminary data suggest that the PTPN14 gene product binds and stabilizes BMP9 signaling components in endothelial cells. The Beleford Lab seeks to clarify the molecular interactions between PTPN14 and BMP9, TGFβ, and HIPPO signaling pathway components with the goal of understanding what causes the loss of vascular integrity in HHT and other severe vascular conditions. Our goal is to tailor targeted therapeutic interventions. Competitive applicants will be skilled in basic molecular and cell biology laboratory techniques as well as in mouse handling, crosses, and care. Basic skills in bioinformatics and computational protein modeling are helpful but not required. The lab uses techniques such as DNA and protein electrophoresis, PCR, immunohisto- and cytochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay.

Successful applicants will be expected to stay abreast of current literature in the field, design and execute experiments, assist in the collection of data for grant applications, and to prepare their results for presentation at national and international scientific conferences and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision is crucial.

Work/life balance: UC Davis is a supportive, diverse, and collaborative community, ideally situated in the sunny Sacramento Valley between beautiful Lake Tahoe for winter skiing and summer beaches, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D., D.O., or M.B.B.S degree and have a demonstrated background in basic molecular and cell biology techniques as above. Additional training in vascular biology, bioinformatics and computational biology is helpful. 

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States by the start date. J-1 visa sponsorship is available for eligible candidates. Individuals currently authorized under F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) are also encouraged to apply. While the position is eligible for H-1B sponsorship, the hiring timeline does not allow for H-1B sponsorship for the initial appointment.

Salary: 

The posted UC salary scales  set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 23: Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee, Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow, Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct, Fiscal Year. The estimated salary range for this position is $69,073 – $77,030. “Off-scale salaries”, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions, qualifications, and experience.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should email the following items to Dr. Daniah Beleford at dbeleford@health.ucdavis.edu. Applications received in Handshake will not be considered. 

• CV/Biosketch 
• Cover letter expressing your interest in the position
• Minimum of 3 professional references (Name & Email Address) 

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About UC Davis

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