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 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 and 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 lab’s research and vision, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The ideal candidate is organized, detail‑oriented, and intrinsically motivated, with comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals, systems neuroscience research techniques, and a demonstrated track record in publishing research related to the lab’s interests. They will learn new research skills, apply existing skills to new topics, provide experimental assistance, contribute to grant writing, contribute to manuscripts, and work well within a team. Training will be provided by the PI (Dr. Raaj

Gowrishankar) on all aspects of the role. This position is perfect for a recent Ph.D. graduate or those about to obtain their Ph.D. in neuroscience and is expected to start August 1, 2026.

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Employee

Regular

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Salary

University‑00

0.00 – 0.00 – 0.000

40

• 50% Surgical and Behavioral Procedures in Mice:
  Learn and perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto/chemo genetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation, fiber photometry and two‑photon imaging experiments; conduct behavioral procedures including operant self‑administration studies, drug‑self‑administration studies, chronic pain assays, and depressive‑like behavior assays.
• 20% Data Analyses:
  Assist in analyzing data collected from procedures using computational and statistical analyses in MATLAB and Python.
• 10% Grant Writing:
  Apply for intra‑ and extramural funding and assist the PI in grant preparation for laboratory funding.
• 10% Animal Husbandry:
  Provide basic husbandry care for breeding animals and those in experimental studies; monitor and maintain mouse lines for experiments.
• 10% Wet Lab Procedures with Tissue:
  Learn and perform brain extractions and tissue collection; use tissue for 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 required.
• 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 of strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests.

• Experience in systems neuroscience techniques such as in‑vivo fiber photometry and in‑vivo two‑photon imaging.
• Experience with substance‑use disorder animal models.
• Experience with computational and statistical methods in MATLAB and Python.

Ability to perform job functions in an upright position, seated position, while walking/mobile, climb stairs, work indoors, and in all cold temperature extremes including spot coolers. Ability to bend, twist at the waist, perform 'pinching' operations, fully use both hands/arms, perform repetitive motions…