Postdoctoral Associate

We are seeking two postdoctoral associates to contribute to interdisciplinary research in the Integrated Circuit Neuroscience labs (icnlabs.org), led by Drs. Madhu Kannan and Ganesh Vasan. The incoming candidate in the Vasan lab will engineer novel optogenetic tools, such as genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), for functional investigations of targeted neuron types in behaving animals. The incoming candidate in the Kannan lab will use cutting-edge optical tools, and multipopulation voltage imaging, to examine the activity of genetically identified neuronal subtypes in cognitive function and dysfunction in rodent models.

The new-generation GEVIs and multipopulation voltage imaging technique, developed by the principal investigators (see refs.: Kannan, Vasan et al., Nature Methods, 2018; Science, 2022), provide insights into the real-time interactions among distinct neuron types in behaving animals at single-neuron, single-spike resolution. The ICN labs are part of the University of Minnesota Department of Neuroscience and the Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science. The labs are located at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), home to some of the most advanced MR and optical imaging instrumentation in the country.

The labs are funded by departmental startups as well by multi-year NIH BRAIN Initiative, Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, and NARSAD Young Investigator grants awarded to the PIs.

Job Description:
The candidate will be trained in techniques spanning protein engineering and synthetic biology, cellular-resolution voltage/calcium imaging in rodents during attention/virtual navigation paradigms, targeted gene perturbation, and single-cell transcriptomic assays. They will participate in project conception, data acquisition and analyses, and dissemination of the work. They will have multiple opportunities to train graduate and undergraduate students, collaborate with a network of labs testing our GEVIs, and compete for early career fellowships. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Consideration will also be given to exceptional international applicants with a proven track record.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in the life sciences or engineering with a strong background in molecular, cellular, or systems neuroscience. Preference will be given to recent graduates or postdocs with < 2 years of experience.
• Experience with live cell/live animal fluorescence imaging, and/or slice electrophysiology, or expertise in molecular biology/protein biochemistry.
• Prior experience with stereotaxic rodent surgeries, including intracranial viral vector infusions, optical window implantations, and/or animal behavior is highly desired.
• An excellent track record, as evidenced by first-author publications and conference presentations. 
• Knowledge of programming languages, such as MATLAB or Python, and statistical software, such as Prism.

Please email CV, two-page research statement, and contact information for three referees to icnlabs_jobs@umn.edu.

The position includes an excellent comprehensive benefits package, including low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, as well as paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. For additional details, please see: https://humanresources.umn.edu/benefits.

The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. We are committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at UMN: http://diversity.umn.edu.