Postdoctoral Position in Systems and Circuits Neuroscience

An NIH-funded postdoctoral research associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaobing Zhang, Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience (https://www.neuro.fsu.edu/), Florida State University. Research in the Zhang Laboratory focuses on dissecting neural circuits underlying feeding and motivated behaviors. We combine cutting-edge technologies and behavioral approaches to study the neurobiology of feeding and synaptic dysfunctions that lead to obesity and eating disorders. For more information about our researches and publications, please visit our lab website: https://zhanglab.neuro.fsu.edu/.

The successful applicant will join our collaborative team to employ start-of-the-art fiber photometry, optogenetics, chemogenetics, slice electrophysiology, and behavioral approaches to study the neural mechanism in the regulation of feeding motivation and food consumption. The highly motivated postdoc will also have opportunities to pursue follow-on/early career funding based on this work or other ongoing research initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Independently plan and run feeding-related behavioral experiments using optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and intracranial drug infusion.
• Perform stereotactic surgeries, immunohistochemistry, and slice electrophysiological recordings.
• Report project progress for team discussion, analyze data and write papers for publication, read literature and discuss important articles in the field during lab meetings.
• Supervise and train technicians, undergraduates, and graduate students in the lab.

Qualifications:

• Recent Ph.D. in Neuroscience/Neurobiology/Neurophysiology or related disciplines.
• Two or more of the following skills: rodent neuroanatomy and stereotactic surgery, intracranial drug infusion, brain tissue histology and immunocytochemistry, fiber photometry, virus-based neural tracing, in vivo optogenetics, or chemogenetics for mouse behavioral studies.
• Strong record of excellence and productivity in research, and the ability to lead work independently.
• Excellent scientific writing ability, strong oral communication skills, and self-motivated for research.
• Ability to interact with trainees to encourage innovation and collaboration.
• A background in behavioral and system neuroscience is highly desired.
• Experience in slice electrophysiology is preferred.

The position is funded by a 5-year NIH grant starting from 2022. The initial appointment is for one year and it is renewed yearly depending on satisfactory progress. To apply, interested applicants should send their cover letter including research experience and interests, CV, and 2-3 references to Dr. Xiaobing Zhang (email: xzhang@psy.fsu.edu). Or you can go to https://jobs.fsu.edu and reference job ad ID#50757 for the application. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible.

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Opportunity Statement can be accessed at https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf