Open position for a post-doctoral researcher in Cardiac Imaging and Physiology at the Schaffer-Nishimura Lab

The link between microvascular health and cardiac function has long been assumed but has been difficult to study. New intravital imaging tools such as two-photon microscopy have revolutionized physiology studies with the capability to observe the behavior of single cells within an intact, living animal. For example, the capacity to visualize brain microvasculature at the resolution of single capillaries has generated new ideas about the role of blood flow in health and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, we have extended such imaging capabilities to imaging the beating heart with an anesthetized mouse. This tool could reveal new phenomena in the coupling of vascular function with cardiac health and disease.
We are looking for a postdoc interested in applying and further developing in vivo cardiac imaging methods with applications in two disease models. In collaboration with the Chilian Lab (Northeast Ohio Medical University), we will use intravital imaging to study a newly discovered link between Takotsubo syndrome and vasculature. Takotsubo syndrome, also known as Broken Heart Syndrome, is a form of heart failure that can be triggered by severe emotional stress. While the cause is unknown, recent work suggest that constriction of vessels could contribute to the dysfunction of the muscle cells. In a second application, we have recently observed capillary-level dysfunction in mouse models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although accounting for about half of heart failure patients, there are few treatments for this type of heart failure. In both diseases, in vivo imaging enables us to make unprecedented measurements of blood flow, cardiomyocytes, and inflammatory cell interactions.
Both candidates with PhD training in instrumentation or quantitative science with an interest in biological applications as well as PhDs with physiology or biomedical backgrounds with an interest in advanced optical tools could be a good fit. The Schaffer-Nishimura lab is a cross-disciplinary, diverse lab so a willingness to collaborate is considered a strength.
Please send a cv to nn62@cornell.edu.

The SN Lab fosters a highly interdisciplinary and diverse research environment, with current lab members coming from six continents and having research backgrounds that include physics, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physiology, and medicine. We encourage applications from researchers with physics, engineering, or other quantitative backgrounds who are interested in learning to apply their skills to biological problems, as well as from researchers with a life science or biomedical research background who are interested in learning to use state-of-the-art optical approaches to elucidate cellular behaviors. Candidates must have completed a PhD in a relevant field by the start date. Positions are available now, but we will have some flexibility for start dates. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to Nozomi Nishimura (nn62@cornell.edu) and Chris Schaffer (cs385@cornell.edu). The most promising candidates will be invited for an on-site interview.

The Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and Cornell University embrace diversity and seek candidates who will foster a climate that attracts all students, staff and faculty. Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual-career couples, has a dual-career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual-career searches.

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