GENERAL SUMMARY / OVERVIEW:

Seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Associate to join an-NIH funded laboratory that conducts basic neuroscience research in consciousness and general anesthesia. Our group uses touchscreen-based cognitive testing in rodents to assess how consciousness and cognition recover after general anesthesia. We investigate the neural circuits involved in arousal, memory, and executive function using optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches. We are also interested in identifying potential sex differences in cognitive recovery and developing novel approaches to accelerate recovery.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

With supervision and guidance, responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Associate will include:

• Designing and optimizing rigorous experiments with appropriate controls
• Writing, editing, and strictly adhering to animal protocols for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• Performing stereotactic neurosurgical procedures in anesthetized rodents and providing postoperative care
• Working with adeno-associated viruses (Biosafety level 1)
• Performing behavioral experiments to test for recovery of consciousness and cognition
• Performing neurophysiological recordings (EEG/ECG/EMG) in awake and anesthetized rodents
• Performing neural circuit manipulations in awake and anesthetized rodents
• Collecting and preparing tissue for immunohistochemical staining
• Conducting fluorescent microscopy and histological analysis
• Data recording and analysis using software programs including GraphPad Prism and Matlab
• Maintaining organized and detailed records of laboratory experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks
• Presentation of results at lab meetings and national conferences
• Preparation and submission of research manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Assisting with preparation of grant applications
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

A successful candidate will:

• Be motivated, meticulous, and detail-oriented
• Demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm for learning new techniques
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Be willing to work with rodents
• Possess strong technical abilities
• Possess strong communication skills (proficient in writing and speaking in English)
• Have excellent interpersonal skills
• Be a team player who works well with other lab members

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A doctoral degree is required. A Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field is preferred, but an equivalent degree in a related biological science will be considered. Looking for a candidate to start in Spring 2024.

Must have prior experience handling and anesthetizing rodents. Evidence of strong scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications. Experience with rodent neurosurgery, chemogenetics, statistics, and analysis of neurophysiological data preferred, but not required. Open to highly motivated candidates with a relevant background. Secondary appointment will be at Harvard Medical School.

SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE

Supervision and training of up to one Research Technologist year-round, and up to three undergraduate students during the summer.