Postdoctoral Fellow

A postdoctoral position is available in the newly established Neurodevelopment and Behavioral Toxicology Lab of The Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This project is focused on investigating the toxic effects of developmental exposure to organophosphate esters on brain regions mediating cognitive function (i.e. PFC, hippocampus) and related behaviors in mice.

About the position

This project will investigate potential toxic effects through a combination of 1) in vivo testing of executive function and spatial pattern separation, 2) spatial transcriptomics in brain regions that mediate these behaviors including PFC and DG. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team specializing in neurodevelopment, neurotoxicology, and neurodevelopmental disorders under the supervision of Dr. Heather Patisaul, and will be mentored by primary co-mentors (Dr. Andrew Newell and Dr. Jinyan Cao). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art animal testing facilities, spatial transcriptomics instruments and methodologies, and the results of their efforts will contribute to our current understanding of how organophosphate esters impact behaviors central to human cognitive development and health. Additionally, the candidate will have ample opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab focused on neurodevelopmental toxicology, and the Research Triangle Park area and surrounding educational institutions provide excellent networking and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Toxicology (neurotoxicology focus), Endocrinology or closely related discipline.
• Experience in in vivo animal behavior testing, transcriptomics analysis, molecular biology, in situ hybridization techniques, neuroanatomy, and/or neurodevelopment is preferred.
• Interest in and ability to work in a highly  collaborative, team-science environment with individuals from different professional disciplines and personal backgrounds.

Disclaimer/Fine Print

Stipend/Benefits: The DTT Fellows Training Program funds postdoctoral fellowships for typically up to three years but is flexible. Stipends for NIH fellows are determined by the years of previous postdoctoral experience completed. Stipends are regulated by the institute’s intramural funding policy and can be found here: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/careers/research/fellows/working/benefits/salary. NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. Postdoctoral fellows are considered professionals-in-training and are not classified as NIH employees. Medical insurance is provided. Eligibility: To be eligible for a postdoctoral training fellowship at the DTT, applicants may not possess more than five years of postdoctoral experience and must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in toxicology or an allied science (e.g., neuroscience, endocrinology, cellular and molecular biology, genomics, or closely related discipline), M.D., D.V.M., or other equivalent professional degree. All applicants receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, age (with statutory exceptions), or any other non-merit factor.