Research Scientist, Lab Track at University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

This position is for a Research Scientist - Lab Track in the division of Pediatric Endocrinology. The duty of this job is to conduct preclinical research to understand the molecular mechanism of hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome and is characterized by a triad plasma lipid profile, i.e., increased triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Hyperlipidemia is considered an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. To date, the pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia is incompletely understood. Its close association with adiposity and type 2 diabetes implicates insulin resistance as a causative factor in the development of hypertriglyceridemia. However, factors that mechanistically link insulin resistance to the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia are incompletely characterized.

The primary duty of this position is to conduct laboratory research in cell and mammalian specimen model systems to identify genetic factors in the root cause of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes with obesity. Such genetic factors could serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating hyperlipidemia in patients with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes. The incumbent will be an active collaborator with the PI in the development and implementation of this research and will facilitate and coordinate all aspects of this project. Specific duties include developing new mammalian specimen models and testing proposed methodologies and experimental protocols. The incumbent will receive excellent trainings in proposing and executing experimental plans, collecting and analyzing data with statistics, presenting research data in conferences, and writing and publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals. This position is located at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required prior to the start of employment. Also, a current TB test will be required as a condition of employment. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.
Doctoral degree (or professional degree / specialized technical training) required with three years of post-graduate research experience in related field of study.