Postdoctoral Research Associate - McLaughlin lab

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

July 5, 2026

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):306- - Postdoctoral Research Associate Business

Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - McLaughlin lab Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)
Position Term:12 Month Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience (IPN) at Washington State University (WSU) invites you to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Cannabis, Brain, & Development (CBD) Lab , located in Dr. Ryan McLaughlin's lab.

As the incumbent, you will apply a multidisciplinary approach with rats to examine the long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on corticostriatal circuit function and cognitive flexibility. Responsibilities include conducting behavioral neuroscience experiments—including vapor self-administration and operant conditioning tasks (such as attentional set-shifting and reversal learning)—performing stereotaxic surgeries, viral (AAV) injections, and optic fiber implants for fiber photometry recordings, and managing a rodent breeding colony.

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in developmental neurobiology, cannabinoid pharmacology, and in vivo calcium imaging (fiber photometry). You should have experience or a strong desire to learn ex vivo electrophysiology. The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to demonstrate leadership within the lab, including mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation . For information or questions about Benefits, please contact HRS Benefits at .Additional

Information:

Monthly Salary: $5,186 - $5,862 | Commensurate with experience and education

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Appointment Duration:
This is a temporary position expected to start on June 1, 2026 and end on December 31, 2027 . Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Postdoctoral Requirements:
For detailed information on eligibility for postdoctoral appointments, please visit: WSU/UAW Postdoctoral Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Qualifications:

An earned PhD in Neuroscience or other relevant discipline.

Possess strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrate a record of accomplishments, and have less than five years of research experience since earning their doctoral degree.

Leadership skills and an interest in mentoring students are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in developmental neurobiology, cannabinoid pharmacology, and in vivo calcium imaging (fiber photometry).Candidates should have experience or a strong desire to learn ex vivo electrophysiology.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:
Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).:

College of Veterinary Medicine Department Name:

Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience

Location:

Pullman, Washington Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Curriculum Vitae2) Cover Letter External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.

Current WSU Employees…