Postdoctoral Research Associate – Sensory Neurobiology

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sonoda Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia is seeking applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will work with Dr.

Sonoda on visual system research using genetic, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral approaches to understand how specific cell types and circuits mediate perception and behavior. The postdoctoral associate will develop projects related to visual circuit function and plasticity, analyze data,

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, psychology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences or related field by start date.
• Strong interest in cellular and systems neuroscience, sensory processing, behavior or related areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills demonstrated by publications or conferences.
• Demonstrated expertise in neuronal cell type identity and function, genetic approaches for manipulating neurons and behavior.
• Experience in measuring functional responses of neurons (electrophysiology, imaging).

Responsibilities

• Develop projects related to visual circuit function and plasticity.
• Collaborate with Dr. Sonoda to analyze and interpret data.
• Prepare manuscripts and fellowship applications.
• Present findings at conferences.
• Mentor students or junior lab members.

Skills

Neuroscience

Data analysis

Experimental design

Mentorship

Education

PhD required

Tools

Electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

Job description

The Sonoda Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia's College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is seeking applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate. Our lab uses genetic, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral approaches to understand how specific cell types and circuits in the visual system mediate perception and behavior.

The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to develop projects related to visual circuit function and plasticity. The selected candidate will work directly with Dr. Sonoda to advance ongoing research initiatives, develop new experimental approaches, analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts and fellowship applications, present findings at conferences, and mentor students or junior lab members.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field by the start date.
• Strong interest in cellular and systems neuroscience, sensory processing, behavior, or related areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by publications, conferences, or other forms of scientific communication.
• Demonstrated conceptual expertise in neuronal cell type identity and function, genetic approaches for manipulating specific neuronal types and behavior.
• Demonstrated expertise in measuring functional responses of neurons like electrophysiology, calcium imaging, etc.
• Strong ability in experimental design, data analysis, and data management.
• Ability to develop and learn new technical skills and approaches.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and mentor junior lab members

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin October 17, 2026 and remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

The anticipated salary is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions about the position, please contact Takuma Sonoda at [e-mail].

Tagged as: Life Sciences