Seeking motivated undergraduate students for an internship to conduct original research projects in a neurobiology lab at the Keck School of Medicine. The laboratory uses cutting edge techniques including molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy and behavioral studies using the nematode C. elegans.
The research focus of the lab is to understand, at a molecular level, how cells in the brain communicate with each other through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. We are particularly interested in understanding how neurotransmitters are released from neurons at sites of cell contact called synapses and how this release is regulated to control synaptic strength. Changes in synaptic strength underlie neuronal development, learning and memory and mis-regulation of synaptic strength can cause neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia.
You will conduct your own independent research project under the guidance of postdoctoral fellows or graduate students. Must be highly motivated, a biology or related major, and able to commit to at least 10 hours/week to research. This position is unfunded, but fellowships are available for qualified applicants.
Please email your CV or resume to:
Dr. Derek Sieburth
Zilkha Neurogenetic institute
sieburth@usc.edu
