Postdoctoral researcher in neurodegenerative disease and cancer

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Alzheimer's, Animal Research, Biochemistry, Cancer, Cell Biology, College Level Faculty, Conservation, Disease, Disease Investigation, GLU, Medicine, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Publications, Quality Control, Regulations, Research Skills, Stem Cells, X Motif GUI Toolkit
LOCATION
Philadelphia, PA
POSTED
23 days ago


The laboratory of Professor Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Our work investigates the fundamental mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative disease and cancer, with current projects centered around two major research areas:







1. Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases



Our laboratory has discovered two previously unrecognized protein quality control (PQC) systems involving tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins. These pathways function independently of ATP and exhibit distinct evolutionary conservation—TRIM in animals and polyD/E across eukaryotes—setting them apart from established PQC mechanisms. Ongoing work aims to define their molecular mechanisms, elucidate their contributions to aging and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS), and explore their potential for therapeutic intervention.







2. Tumor suppression, metabolism, and autophagy



We examine the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of the tumor suppressor p53, with emphasis on its control of metabolic pathways essential for biosynthesis and redox balance. Our studies explore how p53 integrates metabolic cues by acting as both a sensor and regulator of cellular metabolism. In parallel, we are identifying metabolic changes that promote tumor initiation and progression. This work has recently expanded to include investigations into how metabolism and autophagy influence the biology of embryonic and cancer stem cells.







For more information about our research, please see the following publications and website:







Science 381: eadd6696 (2023) PMID: 37499037



Science Advances 8: eabo0404 (2022) PMID: 35857842



Nature 597: 132-137 (2021) PMID: 34408321



Nature Cell Biology 23: 978–991 (2021) PMID: 34497368



Cell Metabolism 33: 94-109 (2021) PMID: 33159852



Science 369: 397-403 (2020) PMID: 32703873



Cell Reports 33: 108418 (2020) PMID: 33264628



Nature Communications 11: 348 (2020) PMID: 31953436



Nature Communications 10: 1495 (2019) PMID: 30940803



Nature Communications 9: 4683 (2018) PMID: 30409970



Nature Communications 9: 1223 (2018) PMID: 29581427



Cell Reports 18: 3143-3154 (2017) PMID: 28355566



Molecular Cell 55: 15-30 (2014) (Cover Article) PMID: 24882209



Nature 493: 689-93 (2013) PMID: 23334421



Nature Cell Biology 15: 991-1000 (2013) (Cover Article) PMID: 23811687



Nature Cell Biology 13: 310-316 (2011) (Cover Article) PMID: 21336310



Molecular Cell 37: 668-678 (2010) (Cover Article) PMID: 20227371



Lab website: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p20138



Applicants should hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD or MD degree and demonstrate a strong publication record, rigorous experimental skills, and relevant experience in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolism, stem cell biology, neuroscience, cancer research, or animal models.



Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.



Applications should be sent through Interfolio using the link below and include:







1. Cover Letter;



2. Curriculum vitae;



3. Contact intormation tor three references.




The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the Company

U

University of Pennsylvania

Penn's beautiful urban campus provides easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. We offer excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for you and your family, as well as generous retirement benefits, professional development opportunities and flexible work options. Penn is a diverse, multicultural learning community at the cutting edge of research and information technology. Click here to read more about why we're a Best Employer. Not only does Penn offer a unique environment within the city of Philadelphia to work, we also provide a wide array of employee benefits. From a competitive retirement program and comprehensive health care options to health promotion and wellness services and tuition assistance, there's a wealth of opportunities and resources available to you at Penn.

Penn is frequently cited as an outstanding employer:

  • Recipient of the 2010 Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation Corporate Leadership Award for commitment to supporting worklife balance programs.
  • Selected as a recipient of the 2010 Healthy Workplace Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal and presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare
  • Recognized as a 2010 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News.
  • Recipient of the 2009 Vision Award for commitment to workforce diversity and economic inclusion.
  • Selected for Computerworld's 100 Best Places to Work in IT six years in a row!
  • Recognized by the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children as a 2006 Best Employer for Working Parents
  • Named a Best Place to Work in the November 2007 issue of Philadelphia Magazine.
  • Designated a Best Workplace for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research
COMPANY SIZE
100 to 499 employees
INDUSTRY
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FOUNDED
1990
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