Post Doc - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Bloomingdale (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School invites applications for a postdoctoral associate position in the Zhang Lab. The successful candidate will explore how external experiences and internal physiological states reshape sensory pathways and behavior in the mammalian taste system and related neural circuits.

The lab employs diverse methods, including single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo calcium imaging and fiber photometry, CRISPR-based genetic engineering, optogenetics, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological sciences or near completion of doctoral degree.
• Strong record of research productivity and ability to work collaboratively.
• Background in neuroscience or experience with one or more techniques: animal surgery, optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and fiber photometry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how external experience and internal physiology reshape sensory pathways and behavior.
• Utilize multidisciplinary approaches such as single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo calcium imaging and photometry, CRISPR-based genetic engineering, optogenetics, and animal behavioral analysis.
• Develop new research directions within the broad scope of the lab's program.

Skills

Neuroscience

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Calcium imaging

Optogenetics

CRISPR

Education

Ph.D. in biological sciences

Tools

CRISPR genetic engineering

Fiber photometry

In vivo calcium imaging

Job description

Additional Information

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

• Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description:

A postdoctoral associate position is available in the Zhang Lab for a highly motivated scientist interested in understanding how external experience and internal physiology reshape sensory pathways and behavior.

Our laboratory uses the mammalian taste system as a model to investigate these interactions. For example, internal states such as hunger profoundly influence taste perception and feeding behavior, while long-term dietary experience reshapes taste sensation, physiology, and behavior. Sensory stimulation can also trigger downstream signaling pathways that coordinate physiological responses.

To uncover the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, we employ multidisciplinary approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo calcium imaging and photometry, CRISPR-based genetic engineering, optogenetics, and animal behavioral analysis.

The laboratory offers exciting ongoing research projectsand providesthe postdoctoral associate with substantial intellectual freedom to develop new research directions within the broad scope of our research program.

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biological sciences or be nearing completion of their doctoral degree. Successful candidates should demonstrate a strong record of research productivity, the ability to work collaboratively, and rigorous scientific reasoning in addressing fundamental biological questions. A background in neuroscience or experience with one or more of the following techniques is preferred:animal surgery, optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and fiber photometry.