Postdoctoral Associate CY

Job Description

The laboratory of Sharon Swanger, PhD studies the molecules and mechanisms controlling synaptic transmission and circuit excitability in the thalamus as well as how thalamic physiology is dysregulated in mouse models of neurological disease. This work involves functional studies utilizing neurotransmitter receptor pharmacology, optical and electrical recordings in brain slices, and ex vivo optogenetics. We also apply biochemical and cell biological approaches including superresolution microscopy to study synaptic protein expression and localization in mouse brain tissue. Swanger lab is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Associate. Candidate in this capacity is expected to have a solid background in electrophysiology and fluorescence imaging, and experience with mouse models of disease, small animal surgery, and biochemical approaches is highly desirable.| |Successful candidate will be expected to:|1. Record from acute brain slices isolated from mice using patchclamp electrophysiology;|2. Implement live fluorescence imaging in mouse cultured neurons and brain slices; |3. Determine cellular and molecular changes underlying hyperexcitability in mouse brain tissue;|4. Perform stereotaxic brain injections to label specific neurons for optogenetics and imaging;|5. Mentor undergraduate students in electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging, and biochemistry.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, or a related field;|2. Proficiency in patchclamp physiology; |3. Research experience using mouse models;|4. Demonstrated experience utilizing fluorescence imaging or molecular biology methods;|5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Brain slice electrophysiology;|2. Livecell fluorescence imaging.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Review Date

October 2, 2020

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Pamela Stell at pstell20@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 18, 2020
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