Univ – Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Description Summary

The Bharioke Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our lab in the Department of Neuroscience. This position is ideal for individuals interested in applying cutting edge imaging and computational methods to answer important questions in circuits and developmental neuroscience.

The lab focuses on understanding the rules underlying the organization and function of cortical circuits, throughout the lifespan of the mouse (bhariokelab.com).We employ a variety of techniques to accomplish these goals, in vivo, combining experimental approaches (deep tissue calcium imaging, optogenetics, and chemogenetics of neuronal populations) with creative computational analyses. Experience in some or all of these techniques (as demonstrated by prior work /publications) would be a plus, along with an inquiring mind and an enthusiasm for utilizing (and potentially improving) novel techniques. The ability to utilize computational methods to analyze large data sets will also be viewed as a plus, though the capacity to learn such computational methods, with the assistance of other lab members, will be necessary.

The ideal individual for this position will work independently, with a drive to push past potential difficulties and come up with creative solutions. This individual should show initiative, be a self-starter and highly motivated, with a strong work ethic. We expect that any question that the individual will undertake to answer will be driven by the individual, with collaborative development of the original ideas together with the PI and other members of the lab. In support of this, strong communication skills are critical (and highly valued). This is both at the interpersonal level, to enable the individual to participate fully in the lab environment, as well as at broader levels, to initiate and drive potential collaborations within and beyond the department, and to communicate their science to a wider audience. Therefore, prior experience presenting scientific work would be viewed positively. A calm demeanor will also be a plus, as surgeries to enable imaging in embryos and adult mice require patience and fine motor skills and behavioral experiments with rodents are sensitive to experimenter stress.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Duties:

•35% Optical recordings and manipulations in head-fixed Mice: Learn and perform imaging from head-fixed mice using both one and two-photon microscopy, to obtain recordings of activity of genetically defined neurons and /or manipulate the activity of groups of genetically defined neurons.

•25% Computational analysis of imaging data: Use programming languages, such as (but not limited to) MATLAB and Python, to design novel methods to analyze data derived from both imaging and behavioral experiments.

•20% Conducting Behavioral Monitoring, Habituation, and Training in Mice: Design and train mice to perform cognitive tasks, reliant on one or more sensory inputs. This may include habituating mice to demonstrate changes in cognitive states (including transitions to and from unconsciousness, and transition to and from sleep), as well as monitoring mice during these changes, both with and without associated optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations.

•10% Conducting Surgical Procedures in Mice: Learn and perform cranial surgeries in both embryonic and / or adult mice, for the purpose of optical imaging and /or manipulations of neurons within cortex. Learn and perform viral injections to target genetically defined populations of neurons (using BSL2 level procedures).

•10% Wet Lab Procedures: Postmortem tissue collection and processing for various assays, including (but not limited to) immunohistochemistry, RNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform ’pinching’ operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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