UNIV - Postdoc - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Gowrishankar Lab at the Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have recently obtained or are about to obtain a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields to learn new skills and concepts, apply their existing experience in new research topics and contribute to new discoveries in the field of systems neuroscience.

The Gowrishankar lab endeavors to uncover the neurobiological basis of motivated behaviors and how these basic mechanisms go awry in mouse models of substance use disorders, major depressive disorders and chronic pain. The lab utilizes a variety of systems neuroscience techniques including anatomical tracing, in situ hybridization, opto- and chemo-genetics, in vivo fiber photometry and in vivo two-photon imaging. Prior experience in mouse handling, a demonstrated track record of publications and/or preprints is required;

experience in in vivo imaging methodologies and substance use models is desired. For more details on the Gowrishankar Lab’s research and vision, please visit: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The ideal individual for this position is an organized, detail-oriented, and intrinsically motivated person with a comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals, systems neuroscience research techniques and demonstrated track record in publishing research related to the lab’s interests.

They will be able to learn new research skills, apply existing skills on new research topics, provide experimental assistance, contribute to the development and writing of research grants, contribute to research manuscripts and work well within a team. Training will be provided by the PI (Dr. Raaj Gowrishankar) on all aspects of the job description. This position is perfect for a recent graduate with a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related disciplines, or for those about to obtain their Ph.D. This person will be part of a new and dynamic research laboratory and will take ownership in laying the groundwork for the best lab practices and working environment for future lab members.

This position is expected to start August 1, 2026.

• 50% Surgical and Behavioral Procedures in Mice:
  The ideal candidate will learn and perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto/chemo genetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation, fiber photometry and two-photon imaging experiments. The ideal candidate will also learn and conduct behavioral experimental procedures on these mice, including but not limited to mouse operant self‑administration studies, mouse operant drug‑self administration studies, mouse behavioral assays to study the impact of chronic pain, and depressive‑like behavior.
• 20% Data Analyses:
  The ideal candidate will also learn and assist in the analysis of the data collected from these procedures using computational and statistical analyses in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• 10% Grant Writing:
  The ideal candidate will be expected to apply for intra‑ and extramural funding at all stages of their career and assist in writing grants with the PI for laboratory funding.
• 10% Animal Husbandry:
  The ideal candidate will assist in providing basic husbandry care for animals that are breeding and part of their own experimental studies. They will also assist in monitoring and maintaining mouse lines to facilitate their experimental studies.
• 10% Wet Lab Procedures with Tissue:
  The ideal candidate will learn and perform brain extractions and tissue collection. The ideal candidate will use this tissue to learn and perform a variety of ex‑vivo techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in‑situ hybridization.

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, obtained on or before July 31, 2026.
• Experience with mouse handling is a requirement.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Comprehensive Knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience core concepts.
• Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics…