Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral fellow, Neurobehavioral Circuits Group, Neurobiology Laboratory, NIEHS/NIH

Fully funded postdoctoral position available in the Neurobehavioral Circuits Group led by Dr. Julieta Lischinsky at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, in Durham, North Carolina, USA. We are looking for motivated candidates who are interested in pursuing research questions geared towards the understanding of the molecular, developmental and circuit underpinnings of social behaviors.

Our group's research program aims to elucidate how social sensory information is encoded and innate social behaviors established across postnatal development and adulthood. We study the interplay between nature and nurture by investigating the developmental mechanisms giving rise to social behaviors and how adverse events, such as early life adversity, can modify these circuits. To this end, we use in vivo tools including single and multi-fiber photometry, miniscope imaging, optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, viral tracing, and behavioral paradigms.

The successful candidate will 1) develop and pursue independent research questions aligned with the mission of the group and Institute; 2) design, implement and perform experimental studies; 3) perform data analysis using multiple analytical software, and prepare manuscripts for publication; 4) communicate research findings to the NIH and broader scientific community; 5) serve as mentor for undergraduate and postbaccalaureate trainees.

Why join us?

Our group provides a supportive environment to develop independent research skills. Fellows will join a dynamic team, benefitting from mentoring and team-based science as well as opportunities to share their work within the Institute and at national and international conferences. Additionally, fellows can take advantage of the collegial research community and resources offered by the NIEHS and NIH, including career development opportunities. Fellows will also have access to all core facilities and resources offered by the NIEHS/NIH, including the behavioral, viral, sequencing and microscopy cores. The Institute is located in the Durham/Research Triangle area, a location that offers plenty of outdoor and recreational activities, a vibrant cultural scene, and affordable housing options.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who:

• Have attained or will soon attain a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience or related field with fewer than 5 years of postdoctoral experience.
• At least one first author peer-reviewed paper published (or in press) in a high-quality international journal. Applicants with pre-prints available in BioRxiv will also be reviewed.
• Interest in social neuroscience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience working with rodents
• Experience in a subset of the following: in vivo imaging approaches, rodent behavioral assays, and/or slice electrophysiology, is highly encouraged but not required. Applicants with a computational background are also encouraged to apply.

To apply

Interested candidates should email 1) a cover letter (including past and future research projects, experience and career goals), 2) CV and 3) contact information of three references to Dr. Julieta Lischinsky at julieta.lischinsky@nih.gov

Applications are accepted on a rolling bases until position is filled.

Disclaimer/Fine Print

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals fromthis list.