A position is available in the area of imaging brain signal transduction, involving the polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. Studies are performed in unanesthetized rodents at rest or after administration of drugs acting on neuroreceptors or cytokine receptors that are coupled to phospholipase A2 or cyclooxygenase enzymes. Imaging is performed with quantitative autoradiography after injecting radiolabeled polyunsaturated fatty acids intravenously in the awake animal. Results are related to brain lipid composition and lipid enzyme expression, and to receptor densities and neurotransmitter levels. Studies are performed in rodents subjected to genetic or dietary manipulation, in animal models of neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders, and following long-term administration of psychoactive drugs.

Applicants should have background in neuropharmacology, quantitative autoradiography, animal surgery, microdialysis, and principles of signal transduction. Applicants should also have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree earned within the last 5 years. To apply, click on button below, or send CV, cover letter, and contact information for three letters of reference to:

Dr. Stanley I. Rapoport
Chief, Brain Physiology and Metabolism Section
National Institute on Aging, NIH
Building 9, Room 1S128
MSC 0947
Bethesda, MD 20892-1582
Telephone: (301) 496-1765
E-mail: sir@helix.nih.gov


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NIA’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research, and specifically, to:

• Support and conduct high-quality research on:
  • Aging processes
  • Age-related diseases
  • Special problems and needs of the aged
• Train and develop highly skilled research scientists from all population groups
• Develop and maintain state-of-the-art resources to accelerate research progress
• Disseminate information and communicate with the public and interested groups on health and research advances and on new directions for research.