Montana State University: Postdoctoral Researcher

Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university research lab in Bozeman, MT, is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join their team. The role involves conducting research on comparative vertebrate development, neurobiology, and bone biology. Responsibilities include tissue sampling, gene expression experiments, and applying comparative methods. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. and experience in histological preparation and immunohistochemistry. This position offers a unique interdisciplinary environment, blending laboratory work with computational biology.

Qualifications

• Expertise in comparative vertebrate development and neurobiology.
• Experience in bone biology and macroevolution.
• Proficiency in tissue sampling and histological techniques.

Responsibilities

• Execute tissue sampling and histological preparation.
• Adapt antibody stains for non-traditional model species.
• Conduct gene expression experiments on bone tissue samples.
• Perform high-resolution imaging for bone sections.
• Apply phylogenetic comparative methods across species.

Skills

Comparative vertebrate development

Neurobiology

Bone biology

Macro evolution

Gene expression experiments

Histological preparation

Immunohistochemistry

Comparative data science methods

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

Job description

The Deep Time Biology Lab (Montana State University, MSU) is looking for a new postdoctoral scientist to join our team. We are interested in candidates with expertise in comparative vertebrate development, neurobiology, bone biology, and macroevolution.

In collaboration with the Rashid Lab (MSU) and the Scheller Lab (Washington University), we seek to better understand the complex relationships between the nervous system and bone. This project provides a unique interdisciplinary environment that combines laboratory analysis with computational biology (phylogenetic comparative methods).

Duties & Responsibilities Include:

• Tissue Sampling: Execute the sampling and histological preparation and staining of bone from domestic sheep, domestic chicken, and African clawed frogs to characterize nerve fiber distribution.
• Immunohistochemistry: Adapt and optimize multiple antibody stains for use on non-traditional model species like avian and amphibian sections.
• Gene Expression: Conduct gene expression experiments on bone tissue samples.
• Manage High-Resolution Imaging: Perform light and fluorescent imaging across entire transverse bone sections, ensuring proper overlap for high-quality image stitching.
• Phylogenetic Comparative Methods: Apply comparative data science methods to integrate results across species and differentiate between conserved and adaptive neural and vascular traits.

The position is based at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, USA.

Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

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