Principal Investigator: Nicolas Wein, Ph.D.

Contact: Nicolas.wein@nationwidechildrens.org

+1-614-355-3571

Profile Nicolas S Wein (nationwidechildrens.org)

Department: Center for Gene Therapy

Our lab is focusing on Neuromuscular and neurological Disorders such as Duchenne Muscular dystrophy, Myotonic Dystrophy and Friedreich Ataxia. Our lab developed an expertise in translational research, an emerging field which can be summarized as understanding the cause of a disease and learning from it in order to develop innovative therapeutic strategies. We are committed to integrate basic science and gene therapy skills in order to advance understanding and treatment of the neuromuscular diseases.

Our lab projects focus on RNA and DNA editing and gene transfer as therapies for neuromuscular disorders, but it also includes more fundamental research on muscle/nerves function. In particular, our lab uses most recent technologies such as virus-mediated exon-skipping (vectorized exon skipping) and the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral person who is energetic and passionate to join our dynamic team. In particular, we are looking for someone with experience in molecular biology (qPCR, IF, WB), as well as mouse injection and dissection experiences for neuromuscular disorders,. Experience in dissecting and mounting muscle tissue is required. Intravenous, Face vein, Intrathecal and Intracerebroventricular injection experience would be preferred but can be taught. No background in gene therapy is required, however the person should have a high interested in human genetics and diseases and should be eager to learn and work on the bench in an independent manner.

Finally, our team relies on good teamwork and therefore, the candidate should be a good communicator and team player. The job description includes, but is not restricted to performing research experiments, maintaining records of experiments, preparing laboratory reports, analyzing data, mentoring technicians/students and preparing publications and grants applications.

• Performs research experiments independently (after training period) in accordance with protocols approved by the principal investigator. Such experiments will involve the use of laboratory animals or human subjects, any may require evening and/or weekend duties.
• Handling, injecting and dissecting mice to conducts assays, and mounting tissue for use in research studies, as applicable. Collects muscle, blood and other organs as needed. Molecular biology and cell culture skills are also required. Such activities may be performed independently and may require evening and weekend hours.
• Ensures accuracy of laboratory analytical procedures as required by specific research projects
• Collects and controls experimental data; and maintains accurate daily logs of experiments including purpose of the experiments, methods, results, conclusions and future direction.
• Interprets the results of data analyses with input from the principal investigator.
• Assists the principal investigator in the preparation of scientific publications and grant proposals.
• Make recommendations about refinement and/or replacement of laboratory analytical procedures. Implements such refinements or new procedures with input from the principal investigator.
• Collaborates in the preparation of research budgets, and monitors expenditure of funds to assure that studies are conducted within budgetary constraints.
• Train other laboratory workers and students in standard methods, practices, procedures, and equipment operations.
• Maintains a clean working area and performs general laboratory maintenance. Adheres to proper safety techniques and procedures.

• Ph.D. in relevent science studying neuromuscular and neurologic disorders. Postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Molecular biology (qPCR, IF, WB), mouse colony handling and dissection skills are required.
• Muscle and brain dissection experience is required.
• Also experience working with and supervising young technician is preferred.