SUMMARY:

We are seeking a researcher with expertise in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to contribute to a newly funded project that will be using rodent models to map and characterize the function of projections from brainstem nuclei to supraspinal motor regions of the mammalian brain. The successful individual will also assist in the management/coordination of day-to-day laboratory operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Will independently conduct research studies with oversight from the PI.
• Will conduct neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments in mice as follows:
  • Perform anatomical studies using conventional and viral vector-mediated retrograde tracer approaches to define the origin and distribution of projections from brainstem norepinephrine-containing cell groups to motor centers of the brain.
  • Use ex vivo electrophysiological techniques to characterize the physiological attributes of norepinephrine cells that project to supraspinal motor networks.
  • Use opto- and chemogenetic approaches to activate or inactivate norepinephrine release in specified motor regions of the brain during motor behavioral tasks.
• Will conduct the above experiments using the following technical approaches:
  • Mouse survival surgeries (stereotaxic injections)
  • Mouse perfusions, brain extractions, tissue slicing, tissue mounting, tissue staining
  • Fluorescence microscopy analysis of neural topographies, dendritic fields, axon collateral distributions
  • Ex vivo patch clamp recordings
  • Optogenetic activation/inactivation of projection pathways in behaving animals
  • Chemogenetic activation/inactivation of projection pathways in behaving animals
  • Computer-based analysis of electrophysiological data
  • Microscopy, staining & analysis (spine density analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc)
• High priority will be given to candidates with experience working with rodents and working in the field of neuroscience.
• Will assist with the instructing and training of students, fellows, technicians, and laboratory assistants as required
• Will be responsible for ordering supplies and animals; preparation and adherence to IACUC protocols
• Will collect, organize, analyze and interpret data
• Will prepare publication-quality figures for manuscripts. and perform activities associated with preparation and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Detail oriented

Highly organized

Ability to work independently

Willingness to accept and adapt to new responsibilities

Project- and task-oriented

Capable of administering activities of a research group – faculty, students, fellows

Ability to anticipate and respond to deadlines

Working knowledge of laboratory operations

Good communication skills

WORD, PowerPoint, Xcel, Endnote

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree with a minimum of five (5) years of related research experience in neuroscience. Must be comfortable and have experience working with rodents.

NOTE:

• Only completed, online applications submitted on or before the deadline will be considered.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US, and the university will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.