Postdoctoral Associate

Job Category Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department Department Brain Health Institute Overview New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Brain Health Institute ( BHI ) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS ). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to work on research project investigating the neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art behavioral, neurophysiological, circuit, and computational approaches to examine neural activity in awake-behaving rodents performing auditory and audiovisual tasks. These approaches include high-channel count silicon-probe electrophysiology, optogenetics and opto-tagging, viral circuit tools, anatomical tract tracing, immunohistochemistry and imaging, and quantitative analysis of behavioral and neural data. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform research on cortical and downstream circuit mechanisms that support sensory-guided behavior using psychophysical training, in vivo multichannel recordings, circuit perturbations, histological validation, and computational analysis. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Trains and tests rodents (gerbils) on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess auditory perception, learning, and decision-making. Performs anatomical tract tracing, AAV -based labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making. Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, viral injections, and related recovery and animal care procedures. Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals, including silicon probe and optogenetic/opto-tagging approaches. Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques, including optogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), as appropriate to the project. Develops and applies computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB , ImageJ/ FIJI , DeepLabCut, or related tools. Maintains accurate records of experimentation, animal procedures, data analysis, and research progress. Analyzes, organizes, and presents data at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and major scientific meetings; contributes to manuscript and grant preparation. FLSA Exempt Grade Salary Details Minimum Salary Minimum Salary 20,000 Mid Range Salary 90,000 Maximum Salary 200,000 Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs Position Status Full Time Working Hours Standard Hours 37.50 Work Arrangement This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement. Union Description Post Docs - Regular Salaried Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABP Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required. Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred Qualifications Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB , or related platforms. Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable. Physical Demands and Work Environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS : Sitting, standing, walking, fine motor work under a microscope, and occasional lifting of small packages, equipment, or animal carriers. WORK ENVIRONMENT : Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory. Posting Number 26ST1257 Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS) City Piscataway State NJ Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field? (Open Ended Question)
• Do you have experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees? Yes

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