"Assistant Research Professor - Neuroscience"

Job summary

An Assistant Research Professor position in neuroscience is available at the Loma Linda University Center for Genomics in Dr. Wang’s lab. Our research focuses on understanding the abnormal brain developments resulting from prenatal exposure to delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) and nicotine such as e-cigarette (e-cig) or other abused drugs, and the underlying genomic and epigenomic mechanisms of prenatal THC and e-cig and other abused drugs induced neurodevelopmental disorders.

The position involves close collaboration with researchers across and beyond the center to test, validate, and refine hypotheses. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. The candidate will receive training in many aspects of genomics and bioinformatics and will perform research involving animal models and neuroscience skills including neurophysiological techniques (microelectrode array), behavioral assays and genomics techniques such as single cell sequencing and spatial genomics.

Job duties

1. Using our multi-electrode array (MEA) system to detect electrical activity generated by cells or brain slices, aid in understanding the neuronal functional alterations following prenatal exposure to e-cigarette and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or other abused drugs.
2. Responsible for designing, developing, and implementing computational approaches to analyze and interpret data from MEA recording and other neurophysiological techniques.
3. Performs experiments using various cutting-edge genomics technologies, such as single cell RNA-seq, single cell ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, paired-tag, MAP-seq, BAR-seq and analyzing sequencing data.
4. Maintains detailed records of all analyses.
5. Responsible for animal handling, treatment administration, and tissue harvesting. Attend seminars, lectures, and training courses to learn neuroscience and genomic skills and remains up to date with the genomics field.
6. Assists with neuroscience and genomics data backup.
7. Manages and maintains lab supply inventory and order reagents & supplies.
8. Supervises lab technician, residents and students; and instructs and demonstrates research tests, laboratory procedures, and the use of laboratory equipment and computers to lab technician, students and residents.
9. Maintains laboratory equipment and instruments in an operating condition, and contacts outside vendors as needed.

• Keeps abreast of new techniques and develops and troubleshoots new experimental techniques in related projects.
• Present results and progress updates at Center lab meetings and make presentations to collaborators. Prepare documentation and progress reports in accordance with audit and reporting requirements for investigators and research staff. Responsible for hypothesis generates, data collection and analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. Develop graphs and tables, perform statistical analyses, and support grant applications.

Required qualifications

A doctoral degree in Neuroscience or relevant fields plus postdoctoral training is required. Candidates with demonstrated expertise in neuroscience such as GCaMP-based in vivo calcium imaging, electrophysiology and cell culture techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Strong publication records and scientific writing skills are great plus. The candidate must be a team player and have excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team. The successful candidate will benefit from an outstanding research environment in our center and opportunities for career development in academia. This is a research assistant professor position. Candidates must have completed their PhD and postdoctoral training prior to starting the position.

Salary and compensation

Competitive salary (>$80k/year) relevant to the experience with the full-benefit package plus the great California weather!

Application

Please submit by e-mail a cover letter including three letters of recommendation directly emailed from the referees and curriculum vitae to Dr. Charles Wang at chwang@llu.edu.