Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Brain Health Institute (BHI) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to work on research project investigating the neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art behavioral, neurophysiological, circuit, and computational approaches to examine neural activity in awake-behaving rodents performing auditory and audiovisual tasks.

These approaches include high-channel count silicon-probe electrophysiology, optogenetics and opto-tagging, viral circuit tools, anatomical tract tracing, immunohistochemistry and imaging, and quantitative analysis of behavioral and neural data. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform research on cortical and downstream circuit mechanisms that support sensory-guided behavior using psychophysical training, in vivo multichannel recordings, circuit perturbations, histological validation, and computational analysis.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Trains and tests rodents (gerbils) on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess auditory perception, learning, and decision-making.
• Performs anatomical tract tracing, AAV-based labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making.
• Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, viral injections, and related recovery and animal care procedures.
• Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals, including silicon probe and optogenetic/opto-tagging approaches.
• Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques, including optogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), as appropriate to the project.
• Develops and applies computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/FIJI, Deep Lab Cut , or related tools.
• Maintains accurate records of experimentation, animal procedures, data analysis, and research progress.
• Analyzes, organizes, and presents data at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and major scientific meetings; contributes to manuscript and grant preparation.

FLSA
- Exempt

Grade

Salary Details

Minimum Salary - 20,000

Mid Range Salary - 90,000

Maximum Salary - 200,000

Benefits
- Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs

Position Status
- Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours - 37.50

Daily Work Shift

Work Arrangement
- This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description
- Post Docs
- Regular Salaried

Payroll Designation
- People Soft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment
- Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility - ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications
- Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB, or related platforms. Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment - PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sitting, standing, walking, fine motor work under a microscope, and occasional lifting of small packages, equipment, or animal carriers. WORK ENVIRONMENT;
Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory.

Special Conditions