Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Neuroscience

Job Description Summary

Neural adaptations are a hallmark of all alcohol use disorder, allowing mechanistic changes to influence alcohol-related behaviors. The neurocircuits within the thalamus, cortex, and striatum are necessary to affect reward-seeking and cognitive behaviors, but how these circuits are adapted through alcohol dependence to drive aberrant behaviors are unknown. The postdoctoral position will focus on examining these circuits in a model for the study of alcohol use disorder and the neurobiological adaptations that occur from the onset of drug use to increase maladaptive behaviors in a mouse model. Visit the Mulholland Lab website for more information:
https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/neuroscience/research-scholarship/labs/mulholland

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 Summary:

Neural adaptations are a hallmark of all alcohol use disorder, allowing mechanistic changes to influence alcohol-related behaviors. The neurocircuits within the thalamus, cortex, and striatum are necessary to affect reward-seeking and cognitive behaviors, but how these circuits are adapted through alcohol dependence to drive aberrant behaviors are unknown. The postdoctoral position will focus on examining these circuits in a model for the study of alcohol use disorder and the neurobiological adaptations that occur from the onset of drug use to increase maladaptive behaviors in a mouse model. Visit the Mulholland Lab website for more information: https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/neuroscience/research-scholarship/labs/mulholland

Job Description:

Duties assigned to this title will require an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, or discipline and may involve organizing and implementing research plans, development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and report writing. Incumbents are more likely to also engage in the application and procurement of grants, and publication in journals. Incumbents may also be required to supervise or guide less senior lab or research staff. 

Job Duties:

35% Conducts behavioral studies, performs intracranial implantation surgeries in mice. Monitors cannula placement throughout and at the end of each study. Manages mouse breeding colonies to maintain appropriate levels of transgenic animals as needed for rodent studies. Performs neural recordings in combination with mouse behavior (imaging and stimulation with optogenetic constructs). Performs behavioral optogenetic and chemogenetic mouse experiments

35% Mentors and trains doctoral students in a multitude of lab techniques such as calcium imaging, mouse alcohol drinking used to study reward circuitry, mouse surgical procedures, behavioral optogenetics and chemogenetics. Keeps accurate and detailed records of experiments and results, and identifies and troubleshoots unexpected results. Observes and complies with safety standards and procedures. Works to develop and secure research funding (writing grants). Prepares manuscripts on results for publication

30% Works with a broad range of collaborators to deliver research in the area of addiction neuroscience. Identifies opportunities for publications and research funding. Analyses and presents data, and prepares abstracts and manuscripts for dissemination. Leads and collaborates on peer-reviewed journal submissions.

Minimum Requirements:

PhD or equivalent

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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