Post-Doctoral Associate - Measurement and Manipulation of Developing Cortical Networks

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 62,232 - 75,564; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages & benefits

Paid holidays & generous time off

Professional training opportunities

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Flexible spending accounts

HSA contributions

Disability and life insurance

Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota’s Smith lab invites a postdoctoral researcher to apply optical methods to uncover how cortical networks form during development. The project emphasizes wide-field and two-photon optogenetics to study perturbations in early network activity.

Required/preferred candidates hold a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or related fields and experience in multiphoton imaging, optogenetics, calcium imaging, or in vivo electrophysiology.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or related field.
• Experience in multiphoton imaging, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and/or in vivo electrophysiology preferred.
• Strong interest in systems neuroscience and applying optical approaches to circuit function.

Responsibilities

• Employ optical approaches to study mechanisms of cortical network formation.
• Utilize wide-field and 2-photon optogenetics to perturb early network function and study development.
• Collaborate within a highly collaborative neuroscience community at the University of Minnesota.

Skills

Two-photon imaging

Optogenetics

Calcium imaging

In vivo electrophysiology

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or related field

Tools

Two-photon imaging systems

Optogenetics hardware

Calcium imaging setups

Job description

About the Job

The Smith lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to employ optical approaches to study the mechanisms of cortical network formation in the developing brain. We have recently obtained funding to use wide-field and 2-photon optogenetics to investigate how perturbations of early network function impact development.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or related field, and experience in one or more of the following areas: multiphoton imaging, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and / or in vivo electrophysiology. Applicants without prior experience in these areas but with a strong interest in systems neuroscience and applying optical approaches to investigate circuit function are also encouraged to apply.

About the Department

Smith Lab: http://www.smithneurolab.org/ The Smith lab is a member of the Optical Imaging Medical Discovery Team https://med.umn.edu/brainscience, a $30M initiative at UMN establishing a highly collaborative group of research labs focused on utilizing optical approaches to uncover the function and organization of neural circuits. The postdoctoral fellow will join the intellectually rich neuroscience community at UMN, which brings together behaviorists, electrophysiologists, and computational neuroscientists, and includes the world leading Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. UMN is an excellent training environment for postdocs, with extensive support for trainees and a strong postdoctoral association https://pda.umn.edu/.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 to $75,564 (NIH Stipend levels or above); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Please submit a cover letter stating your interest in the project, your CV, and a brief research statement (1-2 pages) as a single pdf. References will be requested after initial review.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).