Research Associate / Postdoc - Electrophysiology

A Research Associate / Postdoc position supported by NIH funds is immediately available in the lab of Dr. Ryan Drenan at Wake Forest University Health Sciences. Individuals with strengths, prior training, and interest in neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology, and/or chemical biology are encouraged to apply directly to Dr. Ryan Drenan in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology at Wake Forest University Health Sciences.

The Drenan group is a basic & translational science lab that is actively researching the mechanisms of dependence/addiction to nicotine, tobacco products, and cocaine. We are also investigating the basic neurobiological mechanisms of acetylcholine and dopamine neurotransmission. We leverage cutting edge tools/techniques, coupled with behavioral approaches such as nicotine intravenous self-administration in rodents, to make new discoveries about the mechanisms of drug addiction. The lab uses advanced approaches such as 2-photon laser scanning microscopy, optogenetics, gene editing, and chemical biology tools. 

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology has internationally-recognized strengths in basic and translational drug addiction and alcohol abuse research. The Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center recently established the Tobacco Control Center of Excellence, which provides fertile ground for cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research into nicotine/tobacco dependence. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is located in Winston-Salem, NC, which provides: a desirable pace of life suitable for people with families, a low cost of living, a moderate year-round climate, and many cultural and recreational opportunities.

We are seeking an experienced electrophysiologist to conduct brain slice patch clamp electrophysiology, 2-photon microscopy, and electrochemical recordings of dopamine release in rodent animal models. The successful applicant should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with expertise relevant to the research questions/approaches described above. The candidate will be responsible for multiple projects related to the neurophysiology of drug addiction in rodent models. Interested individuals should send a CV (with bibliography) to rdrenan@wakehealth.edu.