Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience

JOB SUMMARY

The Sciolino Lab in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Connecticut on the Storrs Campus is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead independent and collaborative projects in behavioral and systems neuroscience. The successful candidate will join an NIH-funded project investigating how neuromodulatory systems interact with central taste processing regions to regulate behavior.

This position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing academic independence and developing expertise in neuromodulatory circuits, sensory processing, in vivo imaging, and/or behavior. Training and mentorship will be provided to support the development of independent fellowship and grant applications.

The Sciolino Laboratory, established in 2021 in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, studies how neuromodulatory systems—particularly nor epinephrine (NE)—shape neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors, including feeding, taste-guided behavior, and threat avoidance. Our NIH-funded research uses in vivo neural recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays to understand neural circuit function.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Design and lead innovative behavioral and systems neuroscience projects.
• Perform in vivo recordings and circuit manipulations in behaving mice.
• Develop and optimize behavioral paradigms.
• Conduct stereotaxic surgeries, viral targeting, optogenetic manipulations, histology, and anatomical validation.
• Analyze high-dimensional neural and behavioral datasets.
• Mentor trainees and contribute to a collaborative, rigorous lab environment.
• Contribute to grant writing and develop independent funding opportunities.

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field by the start date.
• Strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience.
• Experience with rodent behavior and/or in vivo neuroscience approaches.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience working independently and collaboratively.

• Experience with in vivo electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging data collection and analysis.
• Experience with machine learning–based behavioral quantification (e.g., Deep Lab Cut , MoSeq).
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, R, or related platforms for neural and behavioral data analysis.
• Experience developing independent research questions and pursuing external funding.

This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. The appointment is expected to be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability. This position is covered under the UConn Postdoctoral Scholar union (UAW) contract. Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Connecticut receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with University policies and the Postdoctoral Scholar union contract.

Salary will follow the University of Connecticut Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale, which is aligned with NIH NRSA stipend levels, with a minimum salary consistent with institutional and Postdoctoral Scholar union (UAW) guidelines. Final compensation will be determined based on years of relevant postdoctoral experience.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This position will remain open until filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

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