Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology

A Postdoctoral position is available in the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR) at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine to study cellular and molecular determinants of addiction-related behaviors. The mission of CSAR is to support innovative interdisciplinary research that will lead to the development of novel treatments of substance use disorders and pain. CSAR is located in a state-of-the-art medical school building on the health sciences campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Working under the direction of Dr. Ellen Unterwald, the postdoctoral fellow will be part of a multidisciplinary team investigating how drugs of abuse induce neuroplasticity in the central reward pathway using preclinical models of addiction. Examples of research topics include identification of molecular and cellular circuitry involved in the maintenance of drug-associated memories, molecular basis of susceptibility to drug-seeking behaviors following traumatic stress exposure, and the intersection of immune factors and drugs of abuse. Techniques employed in the research include viral mediated gene transfer, confocal fluorescent microscopy, chemogenetics, in vivo microscopy, and molecular analysis, all applied to rodent models of drug-seeking and relapse behaviors.  

The fellow will be supported on their pathway to independence through participation in many career-development activities offered by CSAR, by closely interacting with a highly successful and diverse group of investigators, and by pursuing novel research questions.  

A Ph.D. with experience in neurobiology, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology or a related field is desired. The position offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of investigators in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. US citizenship or permanent residency status is required. The position is supported by the NIH.

Interested candidates should send their cv, statement of research interests, and names of three references to Dr. Ellen Unterwald, Ellen.Unterwald@temple.edu. Temple University is an EEO/AA employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals traditionally under-represented in science. Further information about the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University School is available at https://medicine.temple.edu/