Research Associate, Cope Lab

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 lab at a prestigious university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore the intricate relationship between structural plasticity and social memory. This role offers the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research on hippocampal microcircuits, utilizing advanced techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology and confocal imaging. The successful candidate will not only manage projects and collaborate with a dynamic team but also contribute to impactful publications and grant applications. Join a forward-thinking environment that values creativity and collaboration, where your contributions can significantly advance our understanding of brain function and social behavior.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience or related field required.
• Experience with mouse handling and behavior testing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and collaborate with lab members and external partners.
• Present findings and contribute to publications and grant applications.

Skills

Laboratory experiment experience

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Creativity in experimental design

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

Immunohistochemistry

Confocal imaging

In vivo neural recordings

Stereotaxic surgery

Job description

Dr. Elise Cope's Lab (copelab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience and the Center of Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) at the University of Virginia is seeking to hire a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how structural plasticity contributes to social memory function in the healthy and diseased brain. The lab focuses on hippocampal microcircuits underlying social memory, emphasizing the roles of adult-born neurons, perineuronal nets, and microglia. Methods include behavioral, histological, pharmacologic, environmental, transgenic, viral, chemogenetic, and in vivo electrophysiological techniques to understand cell interactions and their impact on hippocampal social memory.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will manage projects, collaborate with lab members and external partners, present findings, contribute to publications and grant applications, learn new techniques, and mentor students. The position is a 12-month appointment with potential renewal based on performance and funding.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience or a related field, with first-author publications, laboratory experiment experience, enthusiasm for developing new techniques, motivation, organizational skills, excellent communication, and team collaboration ability.

Preferred qualifications include experience with mouse handling, stereotaxic surgery, behavior testing, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, and in vivo neural recordings. Creativity and flexibility in experimental design are also valued.

This role involves primarily sedentary work with some travel for meetings. The position remains open until filled and is contingent upon project needs, funding, and performance. It is located in Charlottesville, VA, and offers benefits as detailed at hr.virginia.edu/benefits. Background checks and health screenings are required.

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and other documents via the UVA job board (search for R0071681) or through UVA Workday for internal applicants. Multiple documents should be merged into a single PDF. References will be collected via UVA's SkillSurvey process. For questions, contact Jon Freeman at [e-mail]. For community information, visit http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

The University of Virginia values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, gender, disability, or other protected statuses.