To perform foundational and translational research on mechanisms of neurodevelopmental and -degenerative disorders caused by mutation is signaling molecules, in particular protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and protein kinase A (PKA). The Strack lab has postdoctoral projects in the following areas: (1) understanding disease mechanisms in Houge-Janssens Syndrome 1 (caused by de novo mutations in the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit PPP2R5D) and Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (caused by de novo mutations in the protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit PRKAR1B); (2) understanding cognitive impairment is cerebellar disorders (Ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay); (3) development of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and -degenerative disorders; (4) regulation of PP2A by proteasomal degradation. The laboratory uses both germline and conditional (floxed) mouse models of neurological disorders for behavioral, imaging, biochemical, and histopathological experiments. We also use primary neuronal and immortalized cell culture systems to study disease-mutant proteins in vitro. Postdoctoral candidates are expected to have a background in Neuroscience, strong analytical skills, and an intense curiosity to answer significant and complex questions.
With over 31,000 students, the University of Iowa is one of the nation's top public research universities, a member of the Big Ten conference and the Association of American Universities. The University of Iowa is composed of eleven colleges and is known around the world for its balanced commitment to the arts, sciences, and humanities. It is home to one of the nation's largest academic medical centers and the pioneering Iowa Writers' Workshop. The University of Iowa promotes work/life integration and is located in the casual yet cosmopolitan environment of Iowa City, widely recognized as one of the country's most livable communities.