Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience | at U

Post-Doctoral Associate – Department of Neuroscience

University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Minneapolis, MN.

In this role you will 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-contingent 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 chemo genetics) to study the role of specific brain circuits and cell types in these behavioral responses.

• Research – 70%
  • Conduct animal (rat and mouse) handling, husbandry, breeding, colony maintenance, and behavioral testing, including 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, store and analyze the tissue (PCR, immunohistochemistry).
  • Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions and test for pH level.
  • Keep detailed records in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses 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 appropriately.
  • Maintain chemical inventories and read and maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets and safety files.
  • Adjust, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on laboratory equipment.
  • Become familiar with assigned literature, attend weekly lab meetings, participate in journal clubs, and report to the PI on progress.
  • Assist and eventually independently write study protocols, SOPs, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Presenting and Instruction – 10%
  • Present research summaries at national and international meetings in oral and poster formats by preparing abstracts and slides.
  • Instruct students, fellows, and other inexperienced professionals in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

• A Doctorate Degree (PhD, completed within the last 3 years) in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or a related scientific field.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science to assess observations, prepare specimens, run behavioral and biological assays, and interpret results.
• Knowledge of the physiology of rats and mice for anesthesia, surgical procedures, and tissue/fluid sampling.
• Must possess or be able to obtain certification to perform animal studies and procedures.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics for data analysis.
• Skill to maintain and operate standard instruments (fluorescence microscopes, pH meters, etc.).

• Prior experience with rodent behavioral pharmacology, especially behavioral responses to opioids.
• Rudimentary knowledge of common histological preparations for tissue examination.
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing.

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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