Post-Doctoral Fellow/Research Assistant Professor

The Translational Neuropsychiatry Through Neuromodulation (TN²) laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh has an opening for a Post-Doctoral Fellow and/or Research Assistant Professor position. The goal of the TN² lab under the supervision of PI Dr. Khaled Moussawi is to investigate the neurobiol­ogy of substance use disorders and the neurobiological effects of different neuromodulatory techniques.

The TN² lab takes advantage of multiple research tools including but not limited to slice electrophysiology, in-vivo multi-unit electrophysiological recordings in awake behaving rodents, various operant behavioral paradigms, intravenous drug-self-administration, vapor drug self-administration, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), imaging (confocal, fluorescent, etc.), immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, fiber photometry, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and other techniques. These tools are used to answer research questions related to the neurobiology of cue reactivity, drug-induced plasticity in the ventral tegmental area and other nodes of the reward circuitry, encoding or drug vs. natural reward cues, TMS-induced changes in brain circuits, and other questions. 

This position is ideal for motivated candidates interested in learning/applying multiple approaches to answer important scientific and clinically relevant research questions related to reward and motivation. The Research Assistant Professor position offers the opportunity to help manage the lab along with the PI. 

The TN² lab position is housed in the Department of Psychiatry, a unique environ­ment for young researchers to foster collaborations, be productive, and develop an independent research program. The Department of Psychiatry is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the premier research and treatment centers in Psychiatry in the United State, and has been ranked first among all Departments of Psychiatry in the U.S. with regard to research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the past several years. The department has a longstanding tradition of providing a stimulating learning environment that allows for effective educational experiences for trainees. 

This position will also provide the opportunity to spend time in Pittsburgh, one of the most livable and vibrant cities in the country. 

Applicants should be willing to commit to a three-year appointment.

Position requirements:

1. Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, biology, bioengineering or other neuroscience-related disciplines
2. Experience in whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology

Quantitative skills are a plus.

Application documents:

1. A cover letter outlining research accomplishments and career goals
2. Curriculum vitae
3. List of three references with contact information (mailing address, phone number and e-mail address) 

Application should be sent to:

Khaled Moussawi, MD, PhD 

moussawik@upmc.edu