Postdoctoral Fellow of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology

Indiana University; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University in Indianapolis seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology to study neural substrates underlying cocaine craving, opioid dependence, and neurodegenerative symptoms. The role involves hands‑on experiments, imaging, and electrophysiology.

The candidate will work under Dr. Yao-Ying Ma in the IU School of Medicine, collaborating across neuroscience disciplines with state‑of‑the‑art techniques and training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field is required.
• Experience with rodent brain surgeries and behavioral testing is preferred.
• Proficiency with imaging and electrophysiology techniques is expected.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments on neural substrates mediating drug craving and addiction.
• Perform imaging and electrophysiology data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team and mentors on project goals.
• Disseminate findings through publications and seminars.

Skills

Rodent brain surgeries

Behavioral tests

Confocal imaging

Ex vivo patch clamp

In vivo calcium imaging

In vivo single unit electrophysiology

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology

Dr. Yao-Ying Ma’s Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) in Indianapolis is accepting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position. Candidates with a Ph.D. in Neurobiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology, Computational Neuroscience, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Comprehensive hands‑on training in any of the techniques mentioned above will be provided as needed.

Research Focus

• Neuro‑substrates mediating long‑term persistence of cocaine craving and opioid dependence
• Synaptic adaptations induced by prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure
• Neural adaptations involved in psychiatric symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in rodent brain surgeries
• Behavioral tests
• Confocal imaging
• Ex vivo patch clamp
• In vivo calcium imaging
• In vivo single unit electrophysiological recordings

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology, Computational Neuroscience, or other related fields