NIH-Funded Postdoctoral Fellow - Prefrontal Circuits (Wilke Lab)

Description:
The Wilke Laboratory (www.wd2labs.org) in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles is currently recruiting for an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellow position in basic neuroscience. We have multiple NIH funded projects which focus on the role of prefrontal circuits in decision making, avoidance learning and other complex behaviors in freely-moving mice. Our work centers around the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and we use miniscopes, photometry, optogenetics, computational modeling and advanced anatomical techniques to interrogate the function of prefrontal circuits with a focus on psychiatric disease states such as depression. We deploy clinically relevant manipulations as probes of circuit function with the ultimate goal of developing novel and/or improved therapeutic strategies for neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

Requirements:
Applicants should hold (or soon obtain) a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field and have experience with mouse behavior and/or in vivo techniques for studying neural circuits. Quantitative abilities such as writing code for computational analyses of calcium imaging data and behavior are highly desired, but not required. Successful applicants will be self-motivated, competent developing new experimental approaches and able to think independently. Good communication skills and ability to work well in a collaborative environment are essential. *Applicants from under-represented minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.

About:
The Wilke lab is a rapidly growing group with a passion for understanding the circuit mechanisms underlying behaviors that are disrupted in neuropsychiatric disease states. Our approach to science is dynamic, dedicated, team-oriented, fun, and fearless. Dr. Wilke is a basic neuroscientist with expertise in molecular, cellular and circuit approaches to studying the brain. He is also a board-certified psychiatrist with a clinical focus on interventional approaches to treat psychiatric conditions by directly modulating activity in the brain.

Location:
Our lab is housed in the Semel Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, one of the top medical schools and neuroscience research institutions in the country. Los Angeles is a vibrant and exciting city with world class museums, sports, music, food, and culture. Easy access to beaches and nearby mountain and desert environments for hiking, camping and exploration - www.discoverlosangeles.com.

Application:
Applicants should apply by e-mail (swilke@mednet.ucla.edu) with the subject header 'Wilke Postdoc'. Please include a cover letter detailing relevant experience and career goals, curriculum vitae, and contact information for two potential recommenders. Review of applications will begin immediately. Start date is flexible. The position is fully funded for two years, and may be extended depending on satisfactory progress. 

For more information – email Scott Wilke at the UCLA Semel Institute, swilke@mednet.ucla.edu; lab website: www.wd2labs.org.