Postdoctoral Research Associate

The laboratories of Professors Bieszczad and Zaborszky at Rutgers University are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to study the auditory cortex and the cholinergic system in rodents. Candidates should have a PHD and at least 2-3 years of experience in optogenetics and/or high-density recording (e.g., Neuropixels probe) in freely moving rodents. Priority will be given to those candidates also with some experience in molecular genetic (e.g., RNAseq, qRT- PCR) and/or viral targeting approaches (e.g., AAV). This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated and independent-minded individual to merge research between the two labs, whose goals are to understand the neurophysiological circuit and molecular genetic bases of learning, memory and cued action. The Zaborszky Lab is world-renowned for its expertise in basal forebrain anatomy and function. The Bieszczad "CLEF" Lab (for Cortex Learning Epigenetics & Function) is the only in the world to study neuroepigenetic regulation of auditory cortical physiological processes on behavior. As such, there are exciting opportunities for training in a wide range of technical and conceptual methodologies across different levels of analysis from genes to behavior. The position is NIH-funded and available immediately.

As a member of the Rutgers-New Brunswick Psychology Department, where the Bieszczad Lab is housed, affiliations are possible with the Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science, the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and the Brain Health Institute. Affiliation will also be with the vibrant Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience ( CMBN) on the Rutgers-Newark campus, where the Zaborszky Lab is located. The successful candidate will be expected to spearhead research, develop novel analytical techniques, have excellent written communication skills, the ability to work effectively and collegially in a laboratory team setting with graduate and undergraduate student colleagues, and train/mentor students.

Salary, benefits and other considerations will be consistent with a commitment to recruit and retain exceptional individuals. Please see website information about the Department of Psychology and the Newark and New Brunswick campuses of Rutgers University. Our institution is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Departments at Rutgers University are working to ensure our composition reflects the diversity of our student community. We especially encourage applications from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM including women, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ scientists.

Please submit a curriculum vitae, personal statement of research and career goals, and three letters of recommendations. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

*This is a grant funded position.

Candidates should have a PHD and at least 2-3 years of experience in optogenetics and/or high-density recording (e.g., Neuropixels probe) in freely moving rodents. Priority will be given to those candidates also with some experience in molecular genetic (e.g., RNAseq, qRT- PCR) and/or viral targeting approaches (e.g., AAV).

The successful candidate will be expected to spearhead research, develop novel analytical techniques, have excellent written communication skills, the ability to work effectively and collegially in a laboratory team setting with graduate and undergraduate student colleagues, and train/mentor students.

TDT auditory stimulation and electrophysiological recording setups; Neuronexus