Postdoctoral Research Associate - McLaughlin lab

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.

Additional Information:

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

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on December 31, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

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

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.