Post Doctoral Research

4 FEB 2016
TWO-YEAR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN PADUA (PADOVA), ITALY:
“Development of a human stem cell-derived neuronal culture for the study of connexin-32
mutations causing Charcot-Marie-Tooth peripheral neuropathy”
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is a degenerative and incurable peripheral neuropathy that leads to distal muscle
weakness and amyotrophy and may severely impair normal life activities. In 10-12% of cases CMT has been associated
to several mutations of connexin-32 (Cx32), a four transmembrane domain protein which forms intracellular junctional
channels between the layers of the Schwann cell myelin sheath, providing a critical and fast radial pathway for the
passage of ions and signalling molecules. To study the permeation properties of this pathway in the presence of Cx32
mutations causing CMT, we intend to develop an in vitro model based on differentiated human stem cells.
Specific aims of the project are:
a) to develop an in vitro co-culture of neuronal and glial cells derived by differentiation of induced pluripotent stem
cells (iPSCs, in collaboration with the Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, UK) or adult skin
mesenchymal stem cells (collaboration with Padua University Hospital).
b) to induce axonal myelination of the neuron/Schwann cell co-culture in a microfluidic device;
c) to perform site-directed mutagenesis of Cx32 in commercial plasmids to be transfected in HeLa cells for the
biophysical study of CMT−mutant channels.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. or Masters degree plus three years research experience is required. Applicants should possess a strong scientific
background in the field of stem cells and molecular biology. Other important qualities of the appointee will be
motivation, flexibility and the ability to work and interact with others.
LOCATION
The Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM, http://www.vimm.it/VIMM.php), Padua, Italy, is an
internationally recognized institute under the scientific direction of Prof. Luca Scorrano. VIMM has the mission of
establishing a close collaboration between basic and clinical top researchers of the University of Padua to facilitate
translational research. The institute is a dynamic and stimulating environment to perform high level research in Padua,
an attractive historical city close to Venice and the beautiful Dolomites Mountains.
CONTACTS
To apply for this position, send your CV, a brief statement (less than 1 page) describing your past and future research
interests and the names and contact information for one to three references to: Prof. Mario Bortolozzi,
mario.bortolozzi@unipd.it. Applications will be reviewed immediately and considered until the position is filled.
JOB DETAILS
Employer: University of Padua (Padova), Italy. Website: http://www.unipd.it/en/.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Bortolozzi, Ph.D., principal investigator at the Venetian Institute of Molecular
Medicine (VIMM), Via G. Orus 2, 35129, Padua, Italy. Website: http://fondbiomed.it/vimm/mario-bortolozzi/ .
Job type: Research Fellowship.
Salary: 1500 euro/month (net amount, tax free). Notice that this salary permits to have a very good quality of life in
Padua for a single person.
Funding: University of Padua.
Qualifications: Ph.D. or Masters degree plus three years research experience.
Employment type: 2-year contract starting from March-April 2016.
Job hours: Full-time.