MGH Epilepsy Research Laboratory

Overview

The MGH Epilepsy Research Laboratory is focused on the anatomical, biochemical and physiological consequences of abnormal neuronal activity. The Laboratory uses a variety of in vivo and reductionist models to examine the acute and long-term effects of seizures and abnormal excitation on whole animal and neuronal behavior.

Current Projects

Current projects are focused on understanding neuronal injury following seizures and developing strategies for neuroprotection that may eventually have clinical utility.The laboratory is partcularly interested in understanding the biochemical pathways that mediate injury. Another current focus is on characterizing and modulating the activity of intracellular signaling kinases and their targets. These studies, initiated in cell culture, are now being extended to whole animal models. This approach, combining insights from reductionist systems with intact models of neurological function and disease, allows us to attack problems in neurobiology at multiple levels and offers opportunities for investigators with varied interests and skills.

The Laboratory is located in the Neurology Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. This rich environment offers innumerable opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange of information. The hospital research environment in general, and the MGH tradition of bench to bedside research in particular, create an ideal setting in which to pursue the answers to questions about the neurobiology of disease.

The Epilepsy Research Laboratory is a core component of the MGH Epilepsy Center, and academic epilepsy unit that integrates patient care, advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment, and clinical and basic research.

Positions Available

Post-Doctoral Fellow (M.D. or Ph.D.) / Research Associate

Positions available immediately to study neuronal injury and neuroprotection in epilepsy. Whole animal models and cell culture systems are used to study neuronal injury induced by abnormal neuronal excitability. Anatomic, biochemical and molecular techniques are used to characterize and modulate activity-dependent injury and cell death. Current projects focus on trophic factors and intracellular signal transduction pathways.
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. and preferably experience in whole animal models or primary neuronal cell culture. Expertise in immunohistochemical techniques, neuroanatomy or neurophysiology would be an advantage. Please send c.v., a letter stating research interests, and 2-3 letters of recommendation to:

Andrew J. Cole, M.D.
Director, Epilepsy Research Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617 726-3311
Fax: 617 726-9250
E-mail: cole.andrew@mgh.harvard.edu

Epilepsy Neurobiology Fellow (M.D. or M.D., Ph.D.)

Position available for advanced training in clinical epileptology and neurobiology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The fellow is expected to devote 75% of his/her time to basic research in epilepsy and disorders of neuronal excitability. Laboratory experience will occur in the Epilepsy Research Laboratory within the Neurology Research Group at MGH. 25% of the fellows time will be devoted to advanced clinical training in epileptology and clinical neurophysiology in the setting of the MGH Epilepsy Service. This service evaluates and treats complex and refractory epilepsy patients using the latest clinical and technological approaches. This position is ideal for an individual who has completed their Neurology or Neurosurgery residency training and is seeking to develop research skills while advancing their knowledge of a neurological sub-speciality. The ideal candidate would seek to develop independent funding (K-08 or similar award) within 12-24 months of taking the position.

Extensive laboratory and clinical facilities are available at MGH, and a wide range of potential collaborators is easily accessible within the Harvard and Boston scientific communities. Applicants should hold and M.D. or M.D. Ph.D. degree and be eligible for limited licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Please send a letter describing your interests, experience, and long range goals along with a c.v. and the names of three potential referees to:

Andrew J. Cole, M.D.
Director, MGH Epilepsy Service
Chief, MGH Epilepsy Research Laboratory
Massachusetts General Hospital
Wang Ambulatory Care Center, Suite 720
Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617 726-3311
Fax: 617 726-9250
E-mail: cole.andrew@mgh.harvard.edu