Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Category: Post Doctoral Fellow in Metabolomics
Department: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Position Type: Full Time
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Melanie Balbach in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University. The Research Associate will focus on the metabolic changes and underlying regulatory pathways in the male germ cell during activation and during zygote development.
Specific topics of current interest are:
Metabolomics and lipidomics analysis of non-activated and activated mammalian sperm and sperm from external fertilizer, i.e. zebrafish
Characterization of glycolytic enzyme knockout mouse models using extracellular flux analysis, metabolic profiling and metabolic flux analysis in addition to sperm capacitation and fertilization assays
High-throughput screening to identify small molecular inhibitors of sperm-specific glycolytic enzymes with a potential application as on-demand, non-hormonal male contraceptive
Identification of signaling pathways regulating the adaptation of sperm metabolism to changing energy requirements
Metabolic characterization of the developing zygote
Description of work/duties:
The position requires the development and application of advanced omics tools in combination with sperm motility, capacitation and fertilization read-outs as well as high-throughput screening assays. Research findings are expected to be reported in the form of written publications as well as oral presentations within MSU and at scientific meetings. Opportunities for professional development include participation in grant proposal writing, attending and presenting at scientific research symposiums and conferences, networking with other scientists within and outside MSU as well as mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.