Job ID: 114633

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Systems Neuroscience, University of Virginia, USA

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 27 July 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2023

Contract Length: Indefinite

City: Charlottesville, Virginia

Country: United States

Institution: University of Virginia

Department: Pharmacology

Description:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pharmacology (Nieh Lab), University of Virginia, USA

The Nieh Lab in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia seeks a postdoctoral research associate to carry out research characterizing the neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors, such as drug-seeking, feeding, and social interaction. The individual will work directly with Professor Nieh to set up and acquire data using state-of-the-art cellular-resolution simultaneous imaging and stimulation 2-photon microscopes, design and perform head-fixed drug self-administration and feeding tasks, perform stereotaxic surgeries for viral injections and optics implants, and carryout analyses of imaging and behavioral data.

As Professor Nieh’s first postdoc, you will receive individual guidance and training to achieve your career goals, whether they are in industry or academia. You will not only build your scientific skills, but also your professional skills, including writing papers and grants, giving presentations and talks, and leading a team and people management. You will also have the opportunity to train and mentor junior lab members and establish yourself as a scientific leader in neuroscience.

Learn more about the research and philosophy of the Nieh Lab at: https://www.niehlab.com/

 

Duties and Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

Laboratory/Research Tasks

  • Assisting in the setup of and acquiring data from 2-photon microscopes for simultaneous cellular-resolution imaging and stimulation
  • Analyzing calcium imaging data and generating publication-quality figures
  • Designing and training mice on new head-fixed drug and food self-administration behavioral tasks
  • Performing stereotaxic surgeries for viral injections and optics implants
  • Running behavioral assays, such as open field, elevated plus, social interaction, and drug self-administration

General Lab Maintenance Tasks

  • Assisting in overall laboratory maintenance, including making sure equipment is in working condition and materials remain in stock
  • Processing purchases for the lab using UVA Marketplace
  • Interacting with vendors for purchasing purposes

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree, preferably in neuroscience, biology, psychology, biomedical engineering, or related life science and engineering fields
  • Experience in systems and/or computational neuroscience techniques
  • The ability to work effectively in both a team environment and independently
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • The ability to learn new techniques, synthesize new information, and maintain knowledge on animal and safety protocols/procedures
  • Comfort working with laboratory animals (mice) in a research setting, including running behavioral assays

 

Anticipated Hiring Range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience

 

To Apply:

Please visit the UVA job board at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs , and search for “R0044267”

Complete an application online and attach:

  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter detailing your interest in this position

The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check and health screen prior to their first day of employment per University policy.

This is a restricted position and continuation is dependent on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.