Postdoctoral Fellow: Basal ganglia, Electrophysiology

Applications are sought to fill an NIH-funded postdoctoral position in Dr. Papa’s laboratory in the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University. The research is focused on basal ganglia function and dysfunction in movement disorders, with a particular interest in Parkinson’s disease and Dystonia. The goal is to contribute to understanding the underlying pathophysiology in order to develop novel strategies to cure or ameliorate patients with those disorders. Current projects investigate the striatal adaptive mechanisms in response to chronic neurodegenerative or functional changes. These studies apply in-vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics combined with pharmacological tools to analyze signaling mechanisms in rodent and non-human primate models. Newly funded projects also utilize genetic manipulation of molecular pathways to gain further insights into pathological signals and the potential application of gene therapy.

The post-doctoral trainee will design and perform experiments to acquire extensive experience in research and large expertise in the preparation of animal models, implant surgeries, viral vector injections, neural recordings, optogenetic and pharmacological manipulations. The capacitation will be further enriched by participating in local and national scientific meetings, applying for research grants, attending seminars and courses, as well as interacting with scientists from established collaborations. Most projects include the participation of local, national or international collaborators who provide opportunities for learning about related topics in systems neuroscience, such as the molecular and signal transduction mechanisms in distinctive cellular circuits.

The preferred candidate to fill this position should be keen to work with in-vivo models and recordings from populations of neurons in awake behaving animals. Experience in research for Parkinson’s disease, basal ganglia network, working with MATLAB and the analyses of neural data would be valued. 

Candidates must either have a doctorate degree or be nearing graduation. To apply please send your application letter and a copy of your CV to Cassie Bure (cassandra.alyse.bure@emory.edu).

About Emory University

Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA is a top-tier private Institution with an integrated basic science and medical school campus. Emory University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Emory is ranked one of America's Best Employers by Forbes.