Postdoc Position in Neuroscience

Postdoc Position in Neuroscience - Neurological Aspects of Aging and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Pathogenesis

An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Drs. Rukhadze and Fenik to study the neuronal mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathogenesis and age-related changes in upper airway muscle control. Studies will examine how chronic intermittent hypoxia (a major pathogenic factor of OSA) and aging affect neural control of genioglossus (a major upper airway dilator) muscle activity during sleep and wakefulness. we use various state-of-the-art techniques available in the transgenic mouse models. Techniques to utilize and master include in vivo gene manipulation, chemogenetics, AAVtracers, in vivo physiology, mouse model of OSA, sleep/wake EEG and EMG recording, behavioral assays, Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, PCR, gel electrophoresis and confocal microscopy.

Mentorship Environment: Our research group values open communication, motivation, optimism, mutual respect, teamwork, and innovative thinking. Drs. Rukhadze and Fenik are highly committed to individualized mentoring plans to help trainees achieve the scientific career they desire. At a minimum, the training environment will include: professional/career development, one-on-one meetings, group lab meetings, departmental neuroscience seminars and journal clubs, Postdoctoral Development Program, opportunities to present your work at national and international scientific conferences, and manuscript preparation for publication in high quality journals. In addition, Drs. Rukhadze and Fenik have a strong funding record and will provide mentorship for postdoctoral fellowship and/or Scientist Development or NIH grant applications when desired by the applicant. Opportunities for community outreach include the annual Albany Brain Bee, Brain Awareness Week, and Sleep Research Society activities.

About Drs. Rukhadze/Fenik and Albany Medical College: Dr. Rukhadze and Fenik are Associate Professors in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics (DNET) at Albany Medical College (https://www.amc.edu/research/DNET/dnet_faculty.cfm). They have received external funding, including SRSF career development (J. Christian Gillin, MD, Research Grant Grant) and independent NIH R21/R01 awards (currently, NHLBI and NIA R01 awards). DNET is rapidly expanding with new faculty members being recruited, each with a focus on promoting translational research. DNET is an integral part of a large and active neuroscience community in Albany, which includes SUNY Albany, Wadsworth Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Neural Stem Cell Institute.

Requirements: Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field. Candidate should be enthusiastic, highly motivated, and should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. A passion for science, excellent communication (oral and written), organizational skills, and a positive attitude are required. Surgical expertise (stereotaxic injections, electrode implantations), neuroanatomy expertise, a background in sleep research, and/or respiratory or behavioral physiology would be beneficial. Successful candidates will possess a strong track record of publication in high quality journals in their field. The position is funded by a recently awarded R01 (up to 5yrs of funding available for this position at NIH salary levels) and comes with full healthcare benefits.

We value diversity, underrepresented minorities are highly encouraged to apply.

Applications for the position should include a CV, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter describing major achievements, technical skills, career goals, and how you see your research interests fitting within the scope of our research program. Please send application materials to Dr. Irma Rukhadze at rukhadi@amc.edu