Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience

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Job Title Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience

Position Overview:

In this position, you will be expected to conduct experiments characterizing limb ataxia in rodent models of spinocerebellar ataxia, and interrogate the underlying cerebellar physiology contributing to this ataxia. We work with a cued reaching task to quantify learned arm movements in mice. You will be expected to adapt this task to an induced end point error paradigm, and train healthy and mutant ATXN mice in this task, in order to examine how cerebellar-dependent adaptation is impacted in spinocerebellar ataxia.

We also perform wide-field calcium imaging of the cerebellar cortex in awake animals, and you will be expected to perform simultaneous wide-field calcium imaging and behavioral monitoring in these same animals.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 80%
The candidate will develop and implement a rodent induced endpoint error reaching paradigm, and train healthy and mutant mice to perform this task. They will also learn to perform stereotactic surgeries in order to inject mutant mice with vectors to manipulate ATXN expression, induce calcium or voltage indicator expression, and implant animals with cerebellar windows for wide-field imaging. They will obtain high quality wide-field cerebellar imaging data in rodents performing the cued reaching task, and analyze the datasets using advanced analytical techniques.
Operations - 10%
The candidate will become familiar with the assigned literature, attend weekly lab meetings, participate in laboratory journal clubs, and report to the PI regularly on progress. They will also assist and eventually independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) manuscripts and grant applications.
Presenting and Instruction - 10%
The candidate will present research summary in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation. They will also instruct and mentor students, fellows and other inexperienced professional persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in Neuroscience
• Previous laboratory experience with rodents
• Previous experience with rodent models of Spinocerebellar ataxia
• Experience with genetic manipulations in various rodent models of spinocerebellar ataxia
• Experience with tools to quantify and analyze rodent behavior behavior
• Demonstrated record of research accomplishments.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of common histological preparations
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing

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. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

• Conduct outstanding neuroscience research
  .
• Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
• Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
• Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
• Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
• Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $63,480 to $64,380; depending on education/qualifications/experience

• 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
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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…