Research Technician Position
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
C. elegans Geneticist
Qualifications: A high degree of interest and motivation in learning how
genetic and molecular methods can be applied to the investigation of nerve
cell signaling in C. elegans, a BA/ BS in one of the biological sciences,
and a 2-year minimum commitment to the project. Prior research experience
using C. elegans is helpful but not essential. An ideal candidate will grow
in independence and may eventually pursue graduate training or take on a
permanent high-level research position in the lab.
Description: State-of-the-art genetic and molecular methods will be used to
identify and clone genes that encode regulators of nerve cell signaling in
C. elegans. Depending on the experience of the individual, this position may
also require some general lab duties.
Facilities: The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at OMRF is superbly
equipped for molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging, and C. elegans
research. There are now 3 C. elegans labs in the department (Rand, Barstead,
Miller) plus a C. elegans Gene Knockout Center. In addition, OMRF has
several new state-of-the-art core facilities.
Salary is very competitive and commensurate with experience. Send resume and
names of 3 references to:
Ken Miller, Ph.D.
Program in Molecular and Cell Biology
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
825 Northeast 13th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
E-mail: millerk at omrf.ouhsc.edu.
Summary of Research Interests: Kenneth G. Miller, Ph.D.
Basic Research Area: Signaling pathways that regulate communication between
nerve cells
Overall goal: To determine how signals between nerve cells are positively
and negatively regulated. We seek to understand the chain of signaling
events (mediated by proteins and small molecules) that regulates signaling
between neurons.
Significance: Much of our research focuses on a G protein signaling network
that is a major regulator of nerve cell signaling in C. elegans. Since the
individual components of this signaling network are widely expressed in the
nervous system and are highly conserved between the nematode C. elegans and
humans, we hypothesize that this network may play a central role in all
nervous systems. A deeper understanding of the G protein signaling in nerve
cells could yield important insights into how nervous systems establish,
maintain, and modify behavior. Although the main purpose of this research is
to address basic questions about how nerve cells function, our findings may
ultimately have applications in the treatment of human neural disorders such
as depression, hyperactivity, memory disorders, and sleep disorders.
Recent Publications:
Miller, K.G., Emerson, M.D., and Rand, J.B. (1999). Goa and Diacylglycerol
Kinase Negatively Regulate the Gqa Pathway in C. elegans. Neuron. 24,
323-333.
Miller, K.G., Alfonso, A., Nguyen, M., Crowell, J.A., Johnson, C.D., and
Rand, J.B. (1996). A Genetic Selection for Caenorhabditis elegans Synaptic
Transmission Mutants. PNAS. 93, 12593-12598.
Manuscripts in Review:
Miller, K.G., Emerson, M.D., McManus, J.B., and Rand, J.R. (In Review).
RIC-8 (Synembryn): A Novel Regulator of Gqa Signaling in the C. elegans
Nervous System.
Miller, K.G. and Rand, J.B. (In Review). RIC-8 (Synembryn) and GOA-1 (Goa)
Regulate Mitotic Spindle Alignment and Nuclear Migration in C. elegans
Embryos.
OMRF is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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