Post Doctoral Associate

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. The Post Doctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through contributions to the scientific community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Perform patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments to study how nerve cells communicate.
• Use electrophysiology together with imaging techniques, genetically encoded sensors, and optogenetics to study brain function.
• Conduct behavioral studies using genetically modified mouse models to better understand brain disorders and behavior.
• Perform live-cell imaging and use molecular and cellular biology techniques to support neuroscience research.
• Participate in research focused on drug discovery for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Study the biological mechanisms involved in drug addiction, movement disorders, and learning disabilities.
• Investigate proteins and signaling pathways that regulate communication between nerve cells and brain circuits.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to plan, conduct, analyze, and report research findings.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor trainees and contribute to grant and manuscript preparation.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Doctorate degree in relevant field required.
• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education

• Doctorate degree in relevant field required.
• Preferred: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Experience

• No Previous Experience Required.
• Preferred:
• Demonstrated experience with patch-clamp electrophysiology and neuronal recording techniques.
• Experience in synaptic physiology and/or ion channel physiology.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience with mouse models and behavioral neuroscience preferred.
• Experience with optogenetics, genetically encoded sensors, imaging techniques, or related neuroscience methodologies preferred.

Certification and Licensing

• Refer To Department Description For Applicable Certification Requirements.
• Preferred: None required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of electrophysiological techniques and experimental neuroscience.
• Knowledge of molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex research experiments.
• Strong analytical, scientific writing, and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.