Research Fellow (postdoctoral) positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Sandro Da Mesquita. The Da Mesquita lab studies the meningeal lymphatic and immune systems in neurodegenerative disorders and is located in the Department of Neuroscience at the Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus. The laboratory integrates several disciplines, techniques and state-of-the-art methodology to explore pathological mechanisms and biomarkers of aging-related neurological diseases like frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

One of our main interests is to understand the roles of the recently described meningeal lymphatic system in modulating brain homeostasis, aging, pathology, and degeneration. Ultimately, we aim at developing therapeutic strategies that promote brain cleansing and boost neural function in the aged brain by improving the drainage capacity of the meningeal lymphatic vasculature.

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a solid background in basic research. The successful candidate will be a self-driven scientist, enjoying challenging research projects in a supportive diverse and multidisciplinary environment, and working in a timely, cordial and ethical fashion with team members. The candidates will have to show a strong capacity of developing novel scientific concepts, ideas and methods, alongside strong communication and presentation skills in English. Investigation will be conducted using in vivo models of human neurological disorders (mostly genetically engineered mice strains), as well as human tissue and biofluids. Understanding of basic concepts in the fields of neuroscience, neurovascular biology, neuroimmunology and/or immunology is mandatory. An in-depth knowledge about mouse handling, colony management, and in vivo experiments involving mouse models is mandatory. Previous experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, state-of-the-art systems biology approaches (multi-omics) or behavioral testing will be major advantages. Proven capacity to set up in vitro models to answer specific research questions will also be considered a plus. The candidate will also be expected to write manuscripts reporting research findings, originate novel, related, or follow-up research projects, and to participate in grant proposal writing to support the lab.

A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program.

A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide training and education in research. Individuals will train in the research program of a Mayo Clinic principal investigator. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer-reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants. Proof of English proficiency is required for J-1 Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

Please attach the following required documents at the time of application:

• Current curriculum vitae and relevant bibliography
• Three letters of recommendation, signed, on letterhead, describing:
  • Relationship to the applicant.
  • Past work/academic performance.
  • Work qualities/personal conduct.
  • Overall assessment of potential for success in research environment.
• Ph.D. and/or M.D./Ph.D. degree certification, if applicable:
  • Original or notarized copy of diploma or final transcript issued by school (English translation required).

Must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a field deemed relevant by the program. Research Fellow is appropriate for individuals who have completed no more than one prior postdoctoral fellowship, at Mayo Clinic or elsewhere.

Additional qualifications

1. Candidates must have at least two-year research experience in the neuroscience and/or immunology fields. An individual with an M.D. degree with strong laboratory based postdoctoral experience will also be considered.
2. Proficiency in experimental techniques involving rodent models (namely mice) including basic handling, administering drug treatment, conducting behavior studies, and collecting tissues and biospecimens for analysis is mandatory.
3. Proven experience in basic laboratory techniques including ELISA, SDS-PAGE, western blot, qPCR, and other basic molecular biology assays, is essential.
4. Proven experience in animal tissue collection and processing, flow cytometry & cell sorting, immunohistochemistry immunofluorescence staining techniques, confocal imaging, and data analysis will be considered an advantage.
5. Previous experience in DNA and RNA sequencing or in single cell or nuclei RNA sequencing techniques will be considered an advantage. 
6. Familiarity with surgery methods involving rodent models and live imaging techniques will be considered an advantage.
7. Proficiency in cell culture techniques, namely with primary glial and neuronal cultures, will be considered an advantage.