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Dwi appreciates anyone with enthusiasm in science, grit, & passion to make a difference. 

If that's you, please apply to the open positions below, or contact  Dwi to discuss future/non-immediate positions.

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(FILLED) Research Technician 

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We invite candidates for Research Technician to study the molecular mechanisms and development of genetic therapies for pediatric neuromuscular and neurological diseases. 

The primary duty of this position is to participate in studies with laboratory mammalian specimen models of disease, including husbandry, colony management, and development of phenotyping assays. 

Prior working experience with laboratory mammalian specimens is a plus.  Familiarity with basic cell and molecular biology techniques including PCR and RT-PCR methods, protein analysis, and cell culture techniques are considered important. 

The candidate is expected to possess the ability to analyze, organize, interpret, and present data both verbally and in writing.  Some experience in a laboratory, specifically with molecular biology is desired.  Advanced computer skills are a plus.  Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree requirements.  This position is located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville.  

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An Associate’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, biomedical engineering, statistics, or related scientific field is required.  Bachelor’s degree preferred.  Some experience in a laboratory, specifically with molecular biology is desired.  Advanced computer skills are a plus.  Equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted for degree requirements. 

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Apply here: Pitt CAREER 22006071

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(FILLED) Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Scientist - Genetic Diversity in Muscular Dystrophy

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The Kemaladewi Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow (experienced candidate can be employed at research scientist level) to study the impact of genetic diversity in muscular dystrophy & response to therapies. This project is supported by a highly competitive NIH Director's New Innovator Award, part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Program, to Dr. Kemaladewi and will be further strengthened with an anticipated NIH R01 grant to the Kemaladewi Lab.

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The problem: Differences in our individual genomes give rise to most of human diversity, including the severity of disease presentations and responses to therapies. The development of CRISPR-based genome editing has sparked intense interest in the use of this technology for therapeutic interventions, including muscular dystrophies. Yet, the component of genetic diversity has been largely ignored in many preclinical studies. 

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The approach: You will develop and use genetically diverse animal models of human diseases to identify novel genetic modifier factors. The first focus will be on congenital-onset muscular dystrophy and the evaluation of disease modifiers in neuromuscular, respiratory, and neurological phenotypes. Some efforts will also go towards an evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a variety of innovative therapeutic genome editing in genetically diverse patient samples, befitting the truly translational nature of the project and the laboratory.

 

The team: You will be a member of a young, collaborative, energetic, and international research group with a strong commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by pediatric rare diseases, including neuromuscular and neurological disorders. The laboratory is located in the Rangos Research Building of the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In-house core facilities provide state-of-the-art technologies, including animal and cellular imaging, AAV production, flow cytometry, metabolic and genomic analyses. Our lab is equipped with dedicated instruments to assess neuromuscular functions in small animals. You will have access to full educational and professional development opportunities offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

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Basic qualifications:

• Ph.D. in genetics, molecular & cell biology, neuroscience, or any related disciplines. Candidate with >3 years of postdoctoral research experience may be appointed as a research scientist.

• Demonstrated proficiency in working with mouse model of human diseases, supported by primary authorship in peer-reviewed journal(s).

• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to handle large phenotyping data.

• Proficient with standard molecular biology methods including but not limited to cell culture, transfections, molecular cloning, immunoassays, and quantitative real-time PCR.

• Creativity, self-motivation, and the ability to assimilate new information from multiple sources.

 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in phenotyping/functional assays for neuromuscular and neurological diseases.

• Experience in drug developments, including but not limited to CRISPR/Cas, viral vectors, antisense oligonucleotides, RNAi, small molecules.

• A track record on toxicity/immunological studies of a drug candidate would be highly desirable.

 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing career aspiration and potential fit to the laboratory/project, a CV and contact detail of three references to dwi.kemaladewi@chp.edu. Request for an informal discussion/inquiry is welcome.

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