"Post-Doctoral Fellow SMS-3731"

The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform independent and/or directed research activities to fulfill the aims of two laboratories' NIH-funded grants under the direction of two laboratory Principle Investigator (PI), Drs. Don Caspary and Ben Richardson (brichard@siu.edu) in the Department of Pharmacology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. Broadly, this laboratory addresses issues in understanding neural circuits and their role in disease using a multi-level state-of-the-art approach. The primary activities of the Fellow will be to perform whole cell electrophysiology, in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavioral assays, viral injections in rodents, microscopy, and training of students and laboratory staff.

The main role of the Fellow is to design and execute studies aimed at understanding the neurological basis of altered synaptic function in the auditory midbrain with aging and in neurodevelopmental disorder animal models, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parallel to physiological studies, a transgenic approach will be used to determine how cellular level changes may lead to disrupted motor and non-motor behaviors. Finally, the fellow may contribute to in vivo recording studies in wildtype and mutant mice to determine how cellular and synaptic level changes affect activity of the cerebellar circuit in vivo.

The position is one year in duration and will be renewed annually based on Fellow performance and funding availability.

I. Administration 10 %
1. Help obtain information relevant to making purchase decisions.
2. Direct the management and genotyping of the animal colony in conjunction with research staff.
3. Help order approved laboratory supplies and reagents.
4. Assist with scheduling experiments, laboratory equipment usage and availability.

II. Teaching 15 %
1. Assist in training students and laboratory staff.

III. Research 75 %
1. Conduct investigator-initiated and independent research projects under the general supervision of the PI or in conjunction with graduate students.
2. Perform and design electrophysiology recordings from model system central nervous system.
3. Perform and design survival viral injection surgery in rodents.
4. Perform or direct histological preparation (including microscopy) and neurochemical procedures consistent with the project.
5. Prepare reagents used for experiments with accuracy and consistency.
6. Perform data reduction and analysis and preparation for oral and written dissemination.
7. Maintain detailed records of laboratory work performed.

IV. Service 0%

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in an appropriate field (e.g. pharmacology, biology, neuroscience, etc.).
Experience in electrophysiology.
Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in data analysis and preparation for publication.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, displays initiative.
Ability to work well in a team and independently.
Previous experience working with mice or rats.