The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute is striving to understand the causes of, and develop better treatments, preventions and ultimately cures for, autism, fragile X and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

In 2002 the M.I.N.D. Institute initiated a recruitment program to expand the cadre of biomedical researchers at UC Davis committed to addressing these difficult problems. Six areas of particular interest were initially identified: molecular genetics, especially functional genomics; neuropathology/neuroanatomy, including expertise to direct the M.I.N.D. Institute's new brain and tissue bank; immunology/molecular immunology; pediatric neuroimaging; human electrophysiology; and analytical biochemistry/biomarker research. Applications for multiple full-time positions, at all ranks, to be housed in the M.I.N.D. Institute and with appointments in appropriate academic departments were sought.

To date, four outstanding scientists, Frank Sharp, M.D., Lee-Way Jin, M.D., Ph.D., Tony Simon, Ph.D., and Paul Ashwood, Ph.D., have accepted positions in molecular genetics, neuropathology/neuroanatomy, pediatric neuroimaging, and immunology, respectively. An internationally renowned clinical neurologist and neuroscientist, Dr. Sharp joined the Institute in June 2004 as a professor of neurology. Research in his laboratory focuses on molecular neurobiology, genomics, neural cell injury and death and the blood genomics of neurological diseases. Dr. Jin, a neuropathologist from the University of Washington, joined the UC Davis faculty and the M.I.N.D. Institute in fall 2004. In addition to traditional neuropathology research, Jin also investigates the molecular changes associated with specific diseases. Drs. Simon and Ashwood joined the Institute in February 2005. Dr. Simon, a developmental cognitive neuroscientist, investigates both the basis of visuospatial and numerical impairments and the psychopathologies of specific neurodevelopmental disorders. He is also committed to helping UC Davis become a leader in pediatric neuroimaging. Dr. Ashwood, an immunologist, conducts research on the role of the immune system in autism. In light of the highly interconnected nature of the human immune and central nervous systems, Ashwood’s research examines whether the health of one system is integral to the healthy development of the other.

The search for an Electrophysiologist and a Molecular and Cellular Neuroscientist is on-going. For full consideration, applications for the Electrophysiologist and Molecular and Cellular Neuroscientist positions should be received by June 30, 2005 and August 1, 2005, respectively. Candidates should send (a) their curriculum vitae; (b) a brief statement of research interests and plans; and (c) the names and contact information for at least five references to:

David G. Amaral, Ph.D.
Director of Research
M.I.N.D. Institute Research Recruitment
UC Davis Health System
2825 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817