Vacancy ID: PDS003046

Position Summary/Description:

A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (RA) in the laboratory of Dr. Jessica Walsh at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in the Department of Pharmacology. The overall goal of the Walsh lab is to gain an improved understanding of the genetic, molecular, and circuit mechanisms that regulate motivated behaviors and what alterations occur that are involved in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental diseases.

The position offers rigorous training to investigate how genetic mutations, as well as experience, lead to neuroadaptations in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder using a systems level approach, including molecular, genetic and viral mediated approaches, in vivo optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, imaging of neuronal activity, electrophysiology, whole brain activity mapping, and behavioral analysis. The RA will have ample opportunities to develop independent research projects and the chance to build a new, high-impact research program from the ground-up.

Candidates with backgrounds in biomedical or electrical engineering who are interested in using deep learning models to understand how brains circuits govern behavior are encouraged to apply.

The Walsh lab is a highly collaborative and dynamic environment, encouraging collaborations both within the university and with throughout the scientific community. Additionally, I will do my utmost to ensure that you gain the skills needed, both technically and theoretically, necessary to pursue your desired career path.

Education and Experience:

A proven track record of research productivity, strong communication skills, and will enjoy working as part of a dynamic, collaborative team. Successful candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: neuroanatomy, mouse behavior, optogenetics, fiber photometry, or electrophysiology. Experience in programming (MATLAB, Python, R), circuit tracing, light sheet microscopy, or molecular biology would be highly desirable