Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience

Position Overview:
In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct research related to the effects of exogenous opioids on brain function and behavior, using laboratory mice as an experimental system. This includes both non-contigent and contingent forms of opioid exposure, combined with behavioral tests such as conditioned place preference and intravenous self-administration. In terms of brain function, we use neuromodulation methods (including optogenetics and chemogenetics) to study the role of specific brain circuits and cell types in these behavioral responses.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 70%
* Conduct animal (rat and mouse) handling, husbandry, breeding, colony maintenance, and behavioral testing, including but not limited to conditioned place preference and intravenous self-administration
* Inject various compounds and solutions into experimental animals.
* Assist with and eventually independently perform surgery and perfusions on experimental animals.
* Collect brain tissue samples from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., PCR, immunohistochemistry).
* Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions and test for pH level.
* Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data.

Operations - 20%
* Keep the laboratory stocked, maintain inventories of supplies, and order items as necessary.
* Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of all waste materials in an appropriate manner.
* Maintain chemical inventories and read and maintain appropriate Material Data Sheets and safety files.
* Adjust, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on equipment used in the laboratory.
* Become familiar with the assigned literature, attend weekly lab meetings, participate in laboratory journal clubs, and report to the PI regularly on progress.
* Assist and eventually independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuscripts, and grant applications.

Presenting and Instruction - 10%
* Present research summary in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation.
* Instruct students, fellows, and other inexperienced professional persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
* A Doctorate Degree (PhD, which is completed within the last 3 years) in relevant scientific fields (neuroscience, psychology, biology)
* Previous lab experience
* Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science is required to assess observations, prepare specimens, run a variety of behavioral and biological assays, interpret the results of standardized tests, etc.
* Sufficient knowledge of the physiology of rats and mice is necessary in order to induce anesthesia, perform surgeries, and collect tissue and/or fluid samples
* Must possess or be able to readily obtain certification to perform animal studies and procedures
* Sufficient knowledge of mathematics and statistics is required to analyze and interpret test results.
*Knowledge and skill sufficient to maintain and operate standard instruments (fluorescence microscopes, pH meters, etc).

Preferred Qualifications:
* Prior experience with rodent behavioral pharmacology, especially behavioral responses to opioids
* Rudimentary knowledge of common histological preparations to prepare tissues for examination
* Experience with manuscript and grant writing

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay Range: $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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