Post-Doctoral Fellow SMS-3731

SIU Medicine; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

SIU Medicine in Springfield, IL invites a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct independent research on neural circuits related to aging and neurodevelopmental disorders, under two NIH-funded grants, with supervision by two lab PIs.

The role emphasizes whole-cell and in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavior, viral injections, microscopy, data analysis, and training of students; position is one year, renewable based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, biology, neuroscience or related field.
• Experience in electrophysiology.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion of underrepresented minority populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigator-initiated and independent research projects under supervision of the PI(s).
• Perform and design electrophysiology recordings from model CNS systems.
• Perform and design survival viral injections in rodents.
• Prepare histology and neurochemical procedures aligned with the project.
• Prepare reagents for experiments with accuracy and consistency.
• Perform data reduction and analysis and prepare for oral and written dissemination.
• Maintain detailed records of laboratory work performed.

Skills

Electrophysiology

Diversity awareness

Education

PhD in pharmacology, biology, neuroscience

Job description

Overview

The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform independent and/or directed research activities to fulfill the aims of two NIH‑funded grants under the supervision of two laboratory principal investigators, Dr. Don Caspary and Dr. Ben Richardson, in the Department of Pharmacology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. The laboratory addresses neural circuits and their role in disease using a multi‑level state‑of‑the‑art approach. Primary activities include whole‑cell and in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavioral assays, viral injections in rodents, microscopy, and training of students and laboratory staff. The Fellow will design and execute studies on the neurological basis of altered synaptic function in the auditory midbrain with aging and in neurodevelopmental disorder animal models, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. A transgenic approach may be used to link cellular changes to behavioral outcomes. In vivo recording studies in wildtype and mutant mice may be conducted to understand cerebellar circuit activity. This is a one‑year position, renewable annually based on Fellow performance and funding availability.

Examples of Duties

1. Administration (10%)
   • Help obtain information relevant to making purchase decisions.
   • Direct the management and genotyping of the animal colony in conjunction with research staff.
   • Help order approved laboratory supplies and reagents.
   • Assist with scheduling experiments, laboratory equipment usage and availability.
2. Teaching (15%)
   • Assist in training students and laboratory staff.
3. Research (75%)
   • Conduct investigator‑initiated and independent research projects under the general supervision of the PI or in conjunction with graduate students.
   • Perform and design electrophysiology recordings from model system central nervous system.
   • Perform and design survival viral injection surgery in rodents.
   • Perform or direct histological preparation (including microscopy) and neurochemical procedures aligned with the project.
   • Prepare reagents used for experiments with accuracy and consistency.
   • Perform data reduction and analysis and prepare for oral and written dissemination.
   • Maintain detailed records of laboratory work performed.
4. Service (0%)

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in an appropriate field (e.g., pharmacology, biology, neuroscience). Experience in electrophysiology. Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in data analysis and preparation for publication. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Self‑motivated, well‑organized, detail‑oriented, and able to take the initiative. Ability to work well in a team and independently. Previous experience working with mice or rats.

Supplemental Information

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or call 217‑545‑0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community. The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at https://www.siumed.edu/police-security. This report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. SIU School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that provides equal employment and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law. Pre‑employment background screenings are required.