Neurobiology- Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham invites applications for a research scientist to join a neuroscience lab studying neural circuits that govern motivated behaviors and drug seeking.

Using optogenetic/chemogenetic tools and fiber photometry in preclinical self-administration models, the team investigates how circuits adapt with drug exposure and cues to promote relapse, with a focus on the infralimbic prefrontal cortex. A PhD in a biological science is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a biological science

Education

PhD in a biological science

Job description

Position Information

Job Title

Department Name

School/College

School/College Academic Joint Departments

Job Description

The main goal of our research is to identify the neural circuits controlling motivated behaviors, primarily those controlling drug seeking. We are especially interested in understanding how these circuits change as the animal takes more and more drug over time, and how these changes alter the ability of drug-associated cues to trigger relapse. We are also interested in circuits controlling the inhibition of learned behaviors and the active suppression of motivational impulses. Using preclinical self-administration models of addiction (substance use disorder), we have discovered the infralimbic prefrontal cortex is a key component of the neural circuitry responsible for inhibiting drug seeking. Much of our work focuses on neuroanatomical inputs and outputs to/from this brain region. We use optogenetic and chemogenetic viral strategies to manipulate neuronal activity within defined neural pathways and cell types and fiber photometry to record neuronal population activity with calcium sensors (GCaMP, RCaMP) in vivo during behavioral tasks. In addition to these techniques, the lab also routinely uses immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to visualize and image the neurons we manipulate, as well as perform neuroanatomical tracing and Fos expression analyses (Fos = a biochemical marker for neuronal activation).

Required Qualifications

PhD in a biological science

Posting Number

Posting Number PF1076P

Open Date

Open Date 08/28/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled No

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .

Special Instructions for the Position

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Did you complete postdoctoral training at another institution? Please provide name of institution and duration of tenure (e.g., month/year-month/year)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Did you complete postdoctoral training at UAB in Birmingham? Please provide duration of tenure (e.g., month/year-month/year)

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts (Unofficial Only)

Optional Documents

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

1720 2nd Ave South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Main Switchboard: [phone]
Hearing Impaired/TDD: [phone]

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .