Postdoctoral Associate
Rutgers University
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Job summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey's Brain Health Institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to investigate neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The lab uses electrophysiology, imaging, and computational analyses to study awake behaving rodents.
This fully on-site role involves psychophysical training, viral tools, stereotaxic surgery, and collaboration across teams; strong publication record and mentoring are desirable.
Qualifications
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required.
- Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB, or related platforms.
- Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Trains and tests rodents on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess perception, learning, and decision-making.
- Performs anatomical tract tracing, labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making.
- Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, and viral injections.
- Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals using silicon probes and optogenetic approaches.
- Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques including optogenetics and DREADDs.
- Develops computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/FIJI, DeepLabCut.
- Maintains accurate records of experiments, animal procedures, data analysis, and progress.
- Analyzes and presents data at meetings and in manuscript and grant preparation.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department
Department Brain Health Institute
Overview
New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Brain Health Institute ( BHI ) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to work on research project investigating the neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art behavioral, neurophysiological, circuit, and computational approaches to examine neural activity in awake-behaving rodents performing auditory and audiovisual tasks. These approaches include high-channel count silicon-probe electrophysiology, optogenetics and opto-tagging, viral circuit tools, anatomical tract tracing, immunohistochemistry and imaging, and quantitative analysis of behavioral and neural data. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform research on cortical and downstream circuit mechanisms that support sensory-guided behavior using psychophysical training, in vivo multichannel recordings, circuit perturbations, histological validation, and computational analysis. Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Trains and tests rodents (gerbils) on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess auditory perception, learning, and decision-making.
- Performs anatomical tract tracing, AAV -based labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making.
- Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, viral injections, and related recovery and animal care procedures.
- Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals, including silicon probe and optogenetic/opto-tagging approaches.
- Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques, including optogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), as appropriate to the project.
- Develops and applies computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB , ImageJ/ FIJI , DeepLabCut, or related tools.
- Maintains accurate records of experimentation, animal procedures, data analysis, and research progress.
- Analyzes, organizes, and presents data at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and major scientific meetings; contributes to manuscript and grant preparation.
Grade
Salary Details
Minimum Salary
Minimum Salary 20,000
Mid Range Salary 90,000
Maximum Salary
Maximum Salary 200,000
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description
Payroll Designation
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB , or related platforms.
- Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable.
WORK ENVIRONMENT ; Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory. Special Conditions
Posting Number
Posting Number 26ST1257
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City
City Piscataway
State
State NJ
Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department Brain Health Institute Overview New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Brain Health Institute ( BHI ) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to work on research project investigating the neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art behavioral, neurophysiological, circuit, and computational approaches to examine neural activity in awake-behaving rodents performing auditory and audiovisual tasks. These approaches include high-channel count silicon-probe electrophysiology, optogenetics and opto-tagging, viral circuit tools, anatomical tract tracing, immunohistochemistry and imaging, and quantitative analysis of behavioral and neural data. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform research on cortical and downstream circuit mechanisms that support sensory-guided behavior using psychophysical training, in vivo multichannel recordings, circuit perturbations, histological validation, and computational analysis. Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Trains and tests rodents (gerbils) on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess auditory perception, learning, and decision-making.
- Performs anatomical tract tracing, AAV -based labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making.
- Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, viral injections, and related recovery and animal care procedures.
- Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals, including silicon probe and optogenetic/opto-tagging approaches.
- Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques, including optogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), as appropriate to the project.
- Develops and applies computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB , ImageJ/ FIJI , DeepLabCut, or related tools.
- Maintains accurate records of experimentation, animal procedures, data analysis, and research progress.
- Analyzes, organizes, and presents data at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and major scientific meetings; contributes to manuscript and grant preparation.
Grade Salary Details
Minimum Salary 20,000
Mid Range Salary 90,000
Maximum Salary 200,000
Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description
Payroll Designation
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB , or related platforms.
- Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable.
WORK ENVIRONMENT ; Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory. Special Conditions
Posting Number
Posting Number 26ST1257
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus
Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS)
City
City Piscataway
State
State NJ
Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department Brain Health Institute Overview New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, a…
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