Position summary: *

The Parker laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting a postdoctoral associate. The primary role of this position is to perform electrophysiology experiments using whole cell patch clamp of mouse primary sensory neurons and spinal cord slices to investigate the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in chronic pain. This project will investigate the role of various nicotinic receptor subunits in the development of pain and chronic pain using transgenic mice.

The candidate will have the opportunity to submit grants for additional funding opportunities. If interested, the candidate may also work with clinical canine models of pain as well. The ideal candidate will function independently and responsibly, while reporting directly to Dr. Rell Parker. The majority of time will be devoted to research efforts, with a smaller proportion of time devoted to lab maintenance, training our laboratory technician and undergraduate/graduate students, writing, and oversight.

Required qualification):*

• PhD degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Expertise performing whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology.
• Ability to work independently and assume responsibility.
• Ability to work on more than one ongoing project simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with optogenetics, chemogenetics, and related techniques.
• Expertise in rodent behavior, surgery, and anesthesia techniques.
• Knowledge of computer programming languages for data analysis.