Postdoctoral Research Associate

Monosov Laboratory https://neuroscience.wustl.edu/people/ilya-monosov-phd/

Several postdoctoral positions are available in the Monosov laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

By working with animals, humans, and computational models, our team aims to uncover the neuronal-basis of adaptive and maladaptive decision making, learning, and cognition, and to reverse engineer the complex internal states that give rise to psychiatric disorders.

We are especially interested in the neurobiology of (i) risky decision-making under uncertainty, (ii) exploration and novelty-seeking, (iii) appetitive and aversive learning, and (iv) curiosity. We wish to discover how such sophisticated behaviors are controlled in health and disease.

In terms of techniques, the laboratory combines cutting-edge large-scale neurophysiology, circuit-mapping, and causal circuit-disruption approaches in non-human primates and mice. We also regularly perform human behavioral experiments, and utilize computational methods, aiming to understand the algorithms agents employ to adaptively (or maladaptively) control cognitive behaviors.

Modern neuroscience spans systems, computational, and molecular approaches. Therefore, to improve our chances of making important discoveries candidates with a wide range of skillsets will be considered.

Particularly, successful candidates could have a PhD in neuroscience, biology, engineering, computer science, economics, or psychology. Passion and creativity are key qualities in applicants. Experience with behavioral task design and detailed behavioral analyses, programming, neurophysiology, optogenetics, or computational psychiatry / biology are welcome, but not necessary.

Our laboratory is a part of several cross-institution collaborative Centers funded by the NIH and DOD. These projects include clinicians, engineers, and computational neuroscientists. To participate in these teams, we also encourage a collaborative spirit and a passion for learning new perspectives and viewpoints.

Interested postdoc candidates should send a cover letter and curriculum vitae with contact information for three references to monosovi@wustl.edu and to ilya.monosov@gmail.com.  Information on being a postdoc at Washington University can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.