Postdoctoral Fellow – Investigating Feeding-related Neural Circuits using Two-Photon Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy

Office of Intramural Training & Education; Bethesda (MD); Presencial; USD 60.000 - 70.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in Bethesda invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate feeding-related neural circuits using two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging. The successful candidate will develop and lead a novel research direction within the Lutas lab, leveraging transgenic mice, viral reagents, and advanced microscopy.

We value scientific rigor, collaboration, and the ability to mentor others, present findings often, and

Formación

• PhD in neuroscience, molecular/cell biology, physics, or related field.
• First-author publications demonstrating rigorous ownership of research.
• Experience with two-photon microscopy or fluorescence lifetime imaging preferred.
• Rodent models experience preferred but not required.
• Strong collaboration, curiosity, and high scientific standards.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and lead a novel research direction within the Lutas lab.
• Mentor lab members, present findings, and contribute to grant writing.
• Utilize transgenic mice, viral reagents, and microscopy equipment.
• Publish high-quality, impactful experiments.

Conocimientos

Ownership of rigorous research

Collaborative teamwork

Scientific curiosity

Grant writing ability

Presentation skills

Two-photon microscopy familiarity

Fluorescence lifetime imaging exposure

Educación

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Herramientas

Two-photon microscopy

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM)

Transgenic mice techniques

Viral vector work

Descripción del empleo

Postdoctoral Fellow – Investigating Feeding-related Neural Circuits using Two-Photon Fluorescence Lifetime Microscopy

Organization

NIDDK - Neuromodulation and motivation section, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Scientific focus area

The postdoc would develop and lead a novel research direction within the broader research goals of the Lutas lab.

About the position

The Lutas lab studies how monoamines, hormones, and peptides influence non-homeostatic feeding, which can lead to the development of obesity. It has been challenging to address this question because these neuromodulator signals can change slowly across days to months necessitating the ability to track these small changes longitudinally. Fluorescence lifetime-based biosensors allow us to track these slow changes across weeks using either fiber photometry or two-photon imaging approaches.

The postdoc position is fully supported for up to five years. The postdoc would develop and lead a novel research direction within the broader research goals of the Lutas lab. The project will take advantage of our transgenic mice, viral reagents, microscopy equipment and the NIH collaborative community. The postdoc will take ownership and lead other lab members to conduct high quality, impactful experiments. Opportunities will be provided to mentor others, present often, and write grants. The lab values careful, rigorous science with high expectations and a growth mindset.

• Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in neuroscience, molecular and cell biology, physics, or another relevant field.
• Strong candidates will have a track record of ownership in pursuing rigorous research studies typically in the form of first author publications.
• Prior expertise in two-photon microscopy or fluorescence lifetime imaging is preferred, but evidence of ability to acquire these technical skills will also be considered.
• Prior experience with rodent models is preferred but not necessary.
• Ideal candidates will have a track record of scientific curiosity, research excellence, and ability to work well in a collaborative team.