A post-doctoral position is available for a recent PhD and/or MD level scientist interested in studying the mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease in animal models of atherosclerosis and vascular injury/restenosis including, the roles of inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis. We are looking for creative and energetic applicants with a strong publication record in graduate school and a commitment to novel interdisciplinary approaches to the study of cardiovascular disease.

 

The goal of these studies is to define molecular pathways that mediate the interplay between inflammatory cells, vascular cells (vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells) and the ECM and to investigate the potential of targeting these novel pathways to treat cardiovascular disease. Pathways currently being studied include the adhesion receptor CD44, the ECM component hyaluronan and FAP, a cell surface protease involved in ECM/collagen remodeling and its consequences to cell growth/survival, differentiation, migration and function. Approaches include in vivo studies in genetically engineered mice developed in our laboratory that are complemented by pharmacologic studies in vivo and in vitro studies including 3-dimensional culture models. Lab members and applicants are encouraged develop projects falling within the scope of our overall research goals. Our listing under the Cell and Molecular Biology program at Penn (http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/cbp_faculty.shtml) provides more details about our research. A description of our overall research program can also be found at http://www.wistar.org/research_facilities/pure/research.htm