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SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
When you join the UMass Chan Medical School team, you join us in advancing together to improve the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the US and the world. Together, we lead in education, research, health care delivery, and public service. Your life’s work is more than a career. It’s an expression of your passion, intellect, skill, and drive. UMass Chan's commitment to excellence, innovation, competitive benefits, and work-life integration will allow you to build a professionally rewarding career as we work together to better or improve the health of people around the globe.
Category: Post Doc
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School
Department: Neurosurgery
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Code: Non Union Position - Residents/Post Docs (W63)
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Oct. 8, 2026
Work Location: 100% Onsite
Salary Minimum: USD $62,232.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum: USD $75,564.00/Yr.
Postdoctoral Scholar — Tharin Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, UMass Chan Medical School
Dr. Suzanne Tharin, MD, PhD, is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Scholar to join a new, NIH-funded research laboratory at UMass Chan Medical School, an international leader in microRNA research. The lab's long-term goal is to understand the molecular controls over cortical neuronal development and regeneration, including stem cell-based strategies for spinal cord injury repair. Current work focuses on the role of microRNAs in shaping the development and regeneration of corticospinal motor neurons.
Potential Projects
Depending on the candidate's background and interests, potential projects include:
Investigating microRNA controls over corticospinal motor neuron development, specifically examining how differentially expressed microRNAs direct differentiation between corticospinal motor neurons and callosal projection neurons
Identifying the targets of differentially regulated microRNAs in corticospinal motor neurons and their downstream effects on dendritic morphology and neuron-subtype identity
Studying the in vivo response of corticospinal motor neurons to differentially expressed microRNAs, and evaluating their potential roles in promoting cellular recovery and axon regeneration
Required Qualifications
Ph.D., MD/Ph.D., or equivalent degree in Neuroscience or a closely related field
Strong background in molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, etc.) and mammalian cell culture
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
A strong drive to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with in utero electroporation of embryonic mouse brain (highly desirable)
Experience with in vivo rodent models, including stereotaxic surgeries, spinal cord injury models, and neural tracing techniques
Familiarity with transcriptomic analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, miRNA-seq)
Details
Funding: NIH-funded position
Start date: Flexible
Salary: Per NIH and UMass Chan pay scales
To apply: Please email your CV and cover letter to Suzanne.Tharin@umassmed.edu
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement).
At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience.
We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
