The McGraw Lab is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of refractory seizure disorders and the development of novel interventions through cross-species approaches. The lab uses molecular biology; genetics; animal models of treatment refractory seizure disorders (zebrafish and mouse); electrophysiology; live imaging of zebrafish brain activity using genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GCaMP); CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering; chemical and genetic screening; and computer vision and machine learning (Matlab/R).
The McGraw Lab is a part of the Division of Epilepsy in the Neurology Department at Northwestern University (NU; Downtown campus). We recently relocated from Harvard/MGH/BCH in Sept 2024. View our old lab website here.
You may apply for one of two possible positions:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Refractory Seizure Disorders and Treatment Innovation — Organophosphate-related status epilepticus
This Fellowship is designed to support scholars with an interest in leveraging animal models to discover new therapies for seizure disorders. You will characterize a model of organophosphate-related status epilepticus (SE) in larval zebrafish, building on extensive positive preliminary data. You will develop and execute a compound screen for novel counter-measures, and test candidates in corresponding mouse models. You will perform a targeted genetic screen to identify modifiers of organophosphate-related SE, and test candidates in corresponding mouse models. The project is partly funded by the NIH CounterACT program. You will have the opportunity to present work related to this project at the annual NIH CounterACT symposium.
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Genetic Epilepsy — CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
This Fellowship is designed to support scholars with an interest in understanding the pathophysiology of specific rare genetic conditions associated with epilepsy. You will characterize and dissect the molecular mechanism of hyperexcitability in cdkl5 mutant zebrafish using electrophysiology and calcium fluorescence imaging. You will dissect the molecular mechanism of a disease-relevant visual pathway abnormality in the cdkl5 mutant zebrafish using viral methods. You will perform mRNA rescue analyses. You will also characterize a novel knock-in zebrafish model of cdkl5 deficiency. The project is partly funded by the Loulou Foundation (LLF). You will have the opportunity to present work related to this project at the annual LLF Symposium.
Additional project details will be discussed. Opportunities to contribute across projects or to work on alternative projects may be available based on qualifications, productivity and funding support.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related discipline by the start date.
- Record of achievement during graduate studies as evidenced by first-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals +/- independent grants
- Experience working with animal models (mouse, or zebrafish)
Perks and Benefits
- Opportunities to lead and innovate a project of high scientific and translational importance
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and multi-disciplinary collaborators at Northwestern to help achieve your research goals
- Scientific and career mentoring from Dr. McGraw, an MD/PhD physician scientist. You will meet with Dr. McGraw at least weekly.
- Structured annual performance reviews to ensure trainee progress and success
- Access to additional career development resources through Northwestern University
- Excellent cost-of-living in Chicago, IL.
Expectations
- Authored at least one first author publication, and multiple middle author publications;
- Contributed to McGraw Lab grant applications;
- Submitted at least one grant for postdoctoral support;
- Participated in national meetings to disseminate research findings and develop relationships with other researchers in the field;
- Developed the skills, accomplishments, and connections necessary to succeed in the next phase of their career.
Compensation
- Salary starting at $61,000, commensurate with candidate’s background and experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package (postdocs.northwestern.edu)
- The position is offered for one year with extensions of up to three years. Fellows are highly encouraged to apply for independent extramural funding by Y2, and will be provided extensive support from Dr. McGraw to pursue this.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter describing your career goals and the specific fellowship for which you are most interested, along with your CV and contact information for three references by email to Dr. Chris McGraw at Christopher.mcgraw@northwestern.edu.
