Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Postdoctoral Fellowship to serve in the Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section (CDNS,  https://dir.ninds.nih.gov/Faculty/Profile/susan-wray.html) within the Division of Intramural Research (https://dir.ninds.nih.gov/).

The successful candidate must have an Ph.D., M.D. or D.O. degree or equivalent, and relevant training in Neurobiology, Neuroendocrinology, Molecular biology, or Developmental biology. The candidate must be less than 2 years out from obtaining their Ph.D. Descriptions of the projects performed in research areas are indicated below. Appointees may be US citizens or resident aliens. The position is subject to a background check. Applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Applicants should email Dr. Susan Wray (wrays@ninds.nih.gov) an updated C.V., cover letter and names of references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.

Neurodevelopment Description:  Work encompasses Cell lineage, Neuronal Migration, Axonal Targeting, Craniofacial development and Understanding mutations identified in patients with Kallmann Syndrome. Projects focus on migration of GnRH cells, development of olfactory ensheathing cells and olfactory axon outgrowth during development of the craniofacial region. Current projects examine: 1) lineage of the GnRH cells, 2) axon targeting, 3) biology of genes identified in patients with delayed puberty and anosmia, and 4) development of the craniofacial region. Candidates with experience in mouse development, molecular and imaging techniques preferred but not mandatory.

Recent work:

Saglam A, Calof AC, Wray S. A Novel Factor in Olfactory Ensheathing Cell-Astrocyte Crosstalk: Anti-Inflammatory Protein α-Crystallin B. Glia, 2020.

Shan, Y. Farmer, SM, Wray, S. Drebrin Regulates Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Migrating Neurons through Interaction with CXCR4. PNAS, 2021.

Mechanisms underlying Neuronal Activity Description:  Projects focus on the mechanisms underlying neuronal activity using GnRH neurons as the model system. In vivo, GnRH neurons, spread throughout the forebrain, release GnRH in a pulsatile fashion to control reproduction. In explants, primary GnRH neurons continue to release in a pulsatile fashion and show synchronized calcium oscillations. Projects utilize the GnRH system to study molecular and cellular properties of neuronal activity (individual cells and neuronal population dynamics) and correlate activity with secretion. Candidates with experience in calcium imaging or electrophysiology, molecular biology and mouse anatomy preferred but not mandatory.

Recent work:

Constantin S, Wray S. Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ inhibits gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons via G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels. eNeuro. 2018 Dec 26;5(6).

Constantin S, Reynolds, D. Oh, A, Pizano K, Wray S. Nitric oxide resets kisspeptin-excited GnRH neurons via PIP2 replenishment. PNAS, 2021.

The laboratory in which the candidate will work utilizes multidisciplinary approaches such as, cre/lox mice, immunocytochemistry, video microscopy, calcium imaging, electrophysiology, in situ histochemistry, single-cell PCR, and subtractive cDNA screening.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers
The position is subject to a background check.