Postdoctoral Fellow - Neural Circuits and Neurodegeneration (Multiple Positions - Laboratory of Dr.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Neural Circuits and Neurodegeneration

Several funded postdoctoral research positions are available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Hong-Yuan Chu, Department of Neurodegenerative Science, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA (https://chulab.vai.org). The laboratory is funded by federal research awards from NINDS/NIH and the CDMRP (https://cdmrp.army.mil/netp/default). We recently join the Collaborative Research Network of ASAP (https://parkinsonsroadmap.org/research-network/circuitry/) to study the neural circuits dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

The research group combines cutting-edge technologies to study cellular and synaptic adaptations associated with key PD pathology using mouse models of the disease. Particularly we focus on key neural circuits that control motor activity and emotion with an aim to provide in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of both motor and nonmotor symptoms in PD.

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to combine electrophysiology with optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to advance our understanding of PD pathophysiology at the cellular and circuitry levels and provide insight to the development of novel treatments for PD. The successful candidates have the opportunity to interact with a world-class Parkinson’s research community at VAI (https://vari.vai.org/neurodegenerative-science/).

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree, in Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, or Biomedical engineering.
• Prior experience with brain slice electrophysiology, in vivo Ca²⁺ imaging/electrophysiology, or in vivo optogenetics and mouse behavior.

HOW TO APPLY: https://bit.ly/3bta5AO

• CV or NIH biosketch.
• Contact details for 2-3 references.

These are competitive salaried positions and will be open until filled. Relocation assistance available. To apply, please email Hong-Yuan Chu, Ph.D. at hongyuan.chu@vai.org. 

Postdoctoral Fellows at VAI are full-time employees and receive an annual salary. Salary is based on Doctorate/MD receipt date according to a set stipend schedule, which begins at $55,000 up to a maximum of $60,000. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Employer-sponsored life and AD&D insurance
• Additional voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible-spending accounts for health and child/elder care
• 401 K retirement savings plans with employee/employer contributions
• Paid vacation, holidays, personal days
• Relocation Assistance

If you have questions about the application process or working at VAI you are welcome to email Megan Doerr, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Megan.Doerr@vai.org. 

VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. 

As Van Andel Institute is a drug and alcohol-free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.

About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI which is the second largest city in Michigan and the largest city in West Michigan. Grand Rapids offers a remarkable combination of cosmopolitan atmosphere and small town warmth, known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community, and is ranked one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live."

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theatres, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walk-able neighborhoods. 

With a medical and life sciences industry boom, strong entrepreneurial activity, dedication to green building and living, and innovative employers, Grand Rapids' diverse economy continues to grow, offering endless career opportunities.