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CAS's KIZ launches search for head of proteomics research platform for Primate Facility
Updated: Dec 5, 2022
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Position Description
The Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) is directly affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Located at the head of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, KIZ is dedicated to research in the fields of biodiversity, evolution, conservation, and sustainable utilization of resources in southwestern China, Eastern Himalayas, and Southeast Asia. Since the implementation of the CAS Knowledge Innovation Program, KIZ has experienced rapid development in scientific research. Currently, KIZ contains the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, and CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms. KIZ also houses the leading National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), and Kunming Biodiversity Regional Center for Large-Scale Facilities. It established the KIZ-Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases. Accordingly, major KIZ breakthroughs — which include the development of non-human primate models for disease and pharmaceutical research, theoretical advances in evolution and genomics, and cultivation of genetic resources of domestic animals and their wild counterparts — have had a strong emphasis on fostering innovation with profound implications for health, conservation, public education, and management of the diverse biological resources of Yunnanprovince andthe closest regions with rich biodiversity.
NationalResearchFacility forPhenotypic andGeneticAnalysis ofModelAnimals (Primate Facility)
The National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility) is supported by the "12th Five-Year" National Major Scientific and Technological Infrastructure Projects of China. The Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (KIZ, CAS) in Kunming and the China Agricultural University in Beijing are the lead entities involved in the construction and support of facilities for non-human primates (NHPs) (Primate Facility in Kunming, Yunnan) and porcine animals (Pig Facility in Zhuozhou, Hebei), respectively.
The Primate Facilitycovers a construction area of 24,100 square meters, with a five-yearbuilding period. The facility includes four major systems: (1) Primate Production and Breeding System, (2) Primate Phenotype Analysis System, (3) Primate Genetic Analysis System, and (4) Information Processing and Intelligent Automatic Management and Control System. The goal of the Primate Facility is to house world-class, large-scale integrated research platforms for studying genetic and phenotypic patterns in NHPs. It will support full-scale phenotypic and genetic studies of NHPs at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and morphological levels, and aims to trace the longitudinal process from embryogenesis to adult behavior and aging. The Primate Facility will collect and analyze phenotypic and genetic data and perform large-scale production and breeding of NHPs. The integrated system of the facility will ensure that studies on high-flux phenotypic and genetic relationships are performed with continuity and accuracy. The Primate Facility is oriented towards major national needs and the development of frontier disciplines, i.e., serving national R&D programs and supporting frontier research in brain sciences, disease mechanisms, and drug research and development using NHP models. The facility will become an outstanding research base for international cooperation and for gathering talents and experts in primate and animal research. The facility aims to achieve breakthroughs in original theory and key technologies in related fields and to promote the development of biomedicine and construction of regional science centers. The facility will be a core platform for regional scientific and technological innovation and development, and an important center of science and technology in SouthAsiaand Southeast Asia. The facility will also play a central role in the implementation of the "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan.
Chinese Party Collaborator
Professor Hu Xintian is the head of the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration at KIZ, CAS. He supervises PhD students,postdocs andresearchassociates. Hu studied at Princeton University from 1994 to 2000, where he received his PhD in neurobiology. After completing his postdoc at Baylor College of Medicine he joined KIZ, CAS in September 2005. Hu's research group is engaged in NHP neurobiology with a focus on brain disease-related aspects. For this purpose the lab has established macaque models of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Neurodevelopmental Disorders including Major Depressive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Using these non-human primate models Hu's group has studied in great detail learning memory and disease-related neural circuits.
Post Description
The National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility) is looking for a highly motivated research scientist with consolidated expertise in proteomics and NHP disease models related disciplines.
The expert will:
Form a proteomics research team based in the Primate Facility, and contribute to scientific research and service support capabilities of the sample testing and data analysis platform. Delineate disease pathogenesis in NHP disease models using proteomics technologies through collaboration with the research institute team.
Discover specific biomarker candidates for early brain disease pathogenesis and actively contribute to related research projects.
Organize the establishment of a proteomics research and technology service platform, including: recommending the platform management process and requirements, advising on the recruitment of team personnel, and participating in the training of talents and teams for the platform.
To work at KIZ, CAS for at leastthree consecutive years with a minimum ofsix months of work time each year.
Candidate Requirements
More specifically, the expert will:
Abide by Chinese laws and regulations, have good ideological integrity, scientific ethics, professional ethics and good teamwork skills.
Non-Chinese nationals with a PhD degree, generally under the age of 70, in good health, and still have strong control of frontier scientific research directions in the field as well as strong enthusiasm to continue to work on scientific research and innovation.
Internationally influential and well-known experts. For example, experience as a professor or equivalent position in famous overseas research institutions and universities; experience in platform management is preferred.
Significant achievements in brain diseases, psychiatric diseases, proteomics and biomarker research recognized by peers at home and abroad, such as scientific papers, monographs, patents, tenure in international academic organizations, etc.
Manager of laboratory and research platform construction and operation and strong technical innovation and management skills.
Expected objectives and results of this project during the contract period:
Establish a proteomics laboratory and enhance the scientific research and service support capabilities of the sample testing and data analysis platform.
Train no less thanfive graduate students and research technicians in proteomics for the institute.
Conduct research on the identification of biomarkers for brain diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Major Depressive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and publish no less than two high-level research papers.
Medium- and long-term goals of this project in terms of translation and application:
Validated biomarkers discovered in NHP disease models are translated into diagnostic kits for routine diagnosis in clinical laboratories. The discovery of these biomarkers will help refine the definition of neurobiology and characterize patients with important clinical implications for various types of brain diseases including Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Major Depressive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Conditions
The applicant's remuneration is 45,000 RMB/month (before tax) forsixmonths of work at the KIZ per year, including housing, living, medical insurance and other subsidies in China. For less thansix months, the salary will be reduced accordingly.
The work is carried out as part of the platform of National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility) and the Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms oftheChinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province (AMHD), which provide appropriate office environment and experimental conditions. The platform will support various national, CAS and local talent projects and scientific research projects.
Assist in solving spouse's work and children's schooling. According to the KIZ regulations, housing at KIZ is also included.
Application Materials
- A curriculum vitae including education, working experiences, publication list, research achievement, and contact information;
- A research statement including research background and future research plans for the position;
- Copies of three representative papers;
- Copies of certificates of employment and doctoral degree;
- Other documents if necessary.
Contact Information
Mrs. LIU Chunyu, Mrs. RAO Fangfei
Office of Primate Facility; Office of Human Resources, KIZ
Address: No.17 Longxin Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, P.R.C.
E-mail: primates@mail.kiz.ac.cn; kizfsc@mail.kiz.ac.cn
Phone: +86-871 65191369; +86-871 65199941
