"Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience"

About the Job

The Integrated Circuit Neuroscience (ICN) labs, led by Drs. Madhu Kannan and Ganesh Vasan, are seeking two postdoctoral associates to participate in ongoing interdisciplinary projects. The incoming candidate in the Vasan lab will focus on engineering ultra-sensitive genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) for single-neuron, single-spike resolution recordings in behaving animals. The incoming candidate in the Kannan lab will apply advanced optical tools and multipopulation voltage imaging to study genetically defined neuron types involved in perceptual function and dysfunction in behaving rodents.

Our new GEVIs and imaging approaches (see Kannan, Vasan et al., Nature Methods, 2018; Science, 2022) enable real-time, high-resolution interrogation of neural circuits across model systems and have been adapted by a wide network of collaborators in the field. The ICN labs are part of the Department of Neuroscience and the Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science, based at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR)—a hub for cutting-edge MR and optical imaging technology.

Job Description: The candidate will be trained in techniques spanning protein engineering and synthetic biology, cellular resolution voltage or calcium imaging in rodents during attention/virtual navigation paradigms, targeted gene perturbation, or single-cell transcriptomic assays. They will participate in project conception, data acquisition, analyses, and dissemination of the work. They will have multiple opportunities to train graduate and undergraduate students, collaborate with other labs testing our GEVIs, and compete for early career fellowships. Consideration will also be given to exceptional international applicants with a proven track record.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. degree in the life sciences or engineering with a strong background in molecular, cellular, or systems neuroscience. Preference will be given to recent graduates or postdocs with < 2 years of experience. • Experience with live cell/live animal fluorescence imaging, and/or slice electrophysiology, or expertise in molecular biology/protein biochemistry. • Prior experience with stereotactic rodent surgeries, including intracranial viral vector infusions and optical window implantations, and/or animal behavior is highly desired. • An excellent track record, as evidenced by first-author publications and conference presentations. • Knowledge of programming languages, such as MATLAB or Python, and statistical software, such as Prism.

About the Department

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: 1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research. 2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students. 3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities. 4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members. 5. 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 and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 to $70,344 per year (NIH Stipend Levels); depending on education/qualifications/experience. Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. 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; Employee wellbeing program; Financial counseling services; Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Please provide a two-page research statement and contact information for three referees. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity: 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 University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements: Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M: The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).