Postdoctoral Research Associate, Anesthesiology

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia, Evanston Township (VA, MN, IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research lab at a prestigious university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore critical mechanisms behind sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This role involves cutting-edge research techniques, including stereotaxic surgeries and advanced biosignal recordings. As part of a dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking studies while developing your academic career. The position offers a supportive environment for professional growth, with the potential for renewal based on performance. If you're passionate about neuroscience and eager to make a significant impact in the field, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Hours

Access to University Resources

Qualifications

• Execute stereotaxic surgeries and various biosignal recordings.
• Engage in immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence microscopy.
• Work autonomously on preclinical epilepsy research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments recording EEG, EKG, and other biosignals.
• Perform patch-clamp recordings from brainstem neurons.
• Manage laboratory duties and engage in weekly progress meetings.

Skills

Stereotaxic Surgery

Electrode/Optrode Implantation

EEG Recording

Optogenetic Techniques

Immunohistochemical Staining

Fluorescence Microscopy

Patch-Clamp Recordings

Pharmacology

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Ph.D. in Physiology

Ph.D. in Neurobiology

Tools

Biosignal Recording Systems

Laboratory Management Software

Job description

The Wenker Laboratory at the University of Virginia's Department of Anesthesiology invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

The Wenker Lab focuses on brainstem neural circuits that contribute to fatal seizures, and this position will support a newly funded NIH R01 grant focused on elucidating mechanisms of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The experiments proposed are cutting-edge and address the essential and open field of SUDEP research.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Execute stereotaxic surgeries involving electrode/optrode implantation, viral vector injection, and cardiac/muscle lead surgery.

• Work autonomously to plan, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments recording various biosignals such as EEG, EKG, blood pressure, plethysmography, and breathing muscle EMG in mice, using established systems within the laboratory.

• Apply standard preclinical epilepsy/seizure protocols, pharmacology, and optogenetic techniques.

• Perform patch-clamp recordings from brainstem neurons as required.

• Engage in immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence microscopy, and other standard wet laboratory procedures, including solution preparation, different imaging approaches, and electrode construction.

• Undertake general laboratory duties such as ordering supplies and managing mouse colonies.

• Meet weekly with the principal investigator to discuss progress and troubleshoot projects; attend and present findings semi-frequently (~ every 2-3 months) at the Epilepsy Interest Group meetings at UVA.

• Peer review manuscripts, replicate findings from other lab members, assist in preparing presentations, and perform additional standard biological experiments as needed.

This position is offered as a 12-month appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. This role is designed as a training opportunity in preparation for a full-time academic or research career. Postdoctoral Research Associates work under the supervision of a senior scholar, focusing on full-time research, with the freedom to publish your findings.

Minimum Requirements:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Neurobiology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Relative expertise in brainstem control of cardiovascular and respiratory function, preclinical epilepsy research, and/or advanced neurophysiological techniques.

Compensation:

Determined based on educational background and experience, in accordance with NIH guidelines.

This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits

This position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.A completed pre-employment health screen is required for this position prior to employment.

To Apply:

Please apply through Careers at UVA, and search for R0067277.

Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs.'

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV

• Cover letter

• Contact information for 3 references.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For questions about the application process, please contact Yelena Markazyan, Academic Recruiter at [e-mail]

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.