Summary

R01-funded position (up to 4 years) for postdoctoral work centered around basic mechanisms of glioma-induced neural excitability using cutting-edge neuroscientific methods in mice. The successful applicant will independently conduct and analyze experiments involving surgical mouse preparation, in vivo imaging, behavior and electrophysiology recordings, design and implementation of experiments to modulate neuronal function, and design of custom computational analysis code including statistical analyses. Other duties include scientific publication and presentation of completed studies, maintenance and organization of laboratory equipment and animal colony.

The ideal candidate for this position will be highly motivated to work both independently to successfully execute the required studies outlined in the R01 project, and will also thrive in a highly collaborative environment where they interact with neurologists, neuroscientists, tumor biologists, geneticists, veterinarians and other scientists on a regular basis. This project is highly interdisciplinary and offers ample opportunity to be involved in the development of novel experimental approaches at the intersection of neuroscience and cancer biology.

Job Duties

• Designs and prepares experiments using existing lab procedures as a guide, including surgical manipulation of mice, animal drug administration, fluorescent dye/virus injection, operation of in vivo chronic imaging setup including a combined two-photon and widefield fluorescence microscope, EEG recording, and behavioral monitoring.
• Documents experimental procedures appropriately.
• Performs data analysis: compiles data and organizes for analysis.
• Uses existing computational analysis code and adapts to specific needs.
• Performs appropriate statistical tests, summarizes and presents data on a regular basis.
• Performs mouse colony management: organizes breeder cages, keeps records, ensures animal guidelines are followed, transfers animals to/from collaborators, takes tissue samples, runs and documents genotyping process in collaboration with lab technician.
• Performs lab maintenance: orders routine laboratory reagents, regularly performs inventory, ensures supplies are stocked, schedules regular maintenance of biosafety cabinets, fume hoods etc., in collaboration with lab technician.
• Helps maintain and update the IACUC animal and biosafety protocols.
• Communicates with department staff as needed for various organizational tasks.
• Communicates with the institutional animal care and use committee and center for comparative medicine to ensure compliance with animal protocol and guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of experimental work or coursework in neuroscience/neurology/tumor biology.
• Laboratory experience handling and breeding mice.
• Experience collecting and analyzing fluorescence microscope images, electrophysiological and behavioral data.
• Experience analyzing scientific data using MATLAB, Python, or other languages.