Open position:

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Retinal Pathologies (1-2 positions)

Join Our Cutting-Edge Research Team!

Dr. An Cheng's lab at the School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University (Shenzhen Campus), a top-tier research institution consistently ranked among the global top universities (ranked #106 in Best Global Universities by US News Best Global Universities), is seeking highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellows to join our dynamic research team. Our lab focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with a special emphasis on Progranulin (PGRN) deficiency-related pathologies in the retina as a window to brain disorders like Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), and exploring novel therapeutic targets for conditions such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Research Focus Areas for Postdocs: We are looking for candidates interested in:

•Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation and Glial Cell Pathology: Exploring how glial cells (microglia, astrocytes) and immune pathways contribute to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in diseases like FTD, MSA, and MS.

•Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration: Investigating how mitochondrial dynamics (fusion/fission), bioenergetics, and quality control are impaired in retinal and brain cells in the context of PGRN deficiency and other neurodegenerative conditions, and how this contributes to disease progression.

•Exploring and validating novel therapeutic targets and early diagnostic biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases and other retinal degenerations like AMD.

Qualifications:

•A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

•A strong track record of research productivity, evidenced by high-quality publications.

•Expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: neuroinflammation, mitochondrial biology, retinal cell biology (RPE, microglia), animal models of neurodegeneration or retinal disease, advanced live-cell imaging (e.g., super-resolution), molecular biology techniques (ChIP-seq, transcriptomics, proteomics), and drug target validation.

•Excellent communication skills in Chinese or Japanese or English (written and spoken).

•Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Special Consideration for Top University Graduates:

•Candidates who have obtained their Ph.D. from QS World University Rankings Top 200 universities are particularly encouraged to apply. Subject to meeting the criteria of the new Shenzhen postdoctoral policies (effective Jan 2025), such candidates may be eligible for a Shenzhen municipal living allowance of approximately 30,000 USD per year (this is in addition to the university package and is subject to official approval and policy details; those already receiving certain provincial overseas postdoc funding may not be eligible for duplicate funding).

What We Offer:

•A stimulating and supportive research environment at a leading university.

•Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and core platforms (including advanced imaging, multi-omics, animal facilities).

•Opportunities for significant scientific contributions, high-impact publications, and career development.

•A competitive salary and benefits package provided by Sun Yat-sen University.

•Support for applying for national and local postdoctoral fellowships and research grants.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should send the following documents (in English) to Dr. An Cheng at leon.an.cheng.1q84@gmail.com:

1.A cover letter detailing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.

2.A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications.

3.Contact information for at least two academic referees.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We look forward to receiving your application!