NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH POSITION IN THE BOSTON AREA
Join an exciting area of neuroscience research at the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital and
our academic affiliate, Boston University School of Medicine. Our research involves an understanding
of the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases of the aging population and has provided clues to
therapeutic strategies that may improve the devastating effects of these disorders. As you may be
aware, there is no effective treatment for age-related neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease). Our
program centers on a number of novel hypotheses of neuronal death; protein aggregation, mitochondrial
dysfunction, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This research involves the use of
transgenic and knock-in animal models of disease. These mice have the genetic mutations identified
in patients wih neurological diseases. Using these animal models, we have developed a drug
translational program to identify therapeutic strategies to ameliorate or abrogate disease
progression. Our findings have now led to five NIH-funded clinical human drug trials using creatine,
coenzyme Q10, cystamine, minocycline, and sodium phenuylbutyrate. We have just received funding for a
VA sponsored phase 1 clinical trial in ALS patients using sodiumphenyulbutyrate. Our program runs
full circle in identifying mechanisms of disease in patients, performing preclinical drug trials in
animals with disease, and translating those effective trials back to patients. We have a highly
productive research program located 20 minutes outside of Boston on an idyllic countryside campus.
This is an entry-level position. We will train the applicant in animal husbandry, genotyping,
molecular neuroscience techniques, and histopathlogical and analytical methodologies. A background
in the science is preferable. Any experience is a plus. Please call Karen Smith at 781-687-2903 for
further information. Resumes can be sent via email to
karenhsmith@verizon.net or fax 781-687-3515.
