UNIV - Postdoc - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Gowrishankar Lab at the Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have recently obtained or are about to obtain a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields to learn new skills and concepts, apply their existing experience in new research topics and contribute to new discoveries in the field of systems neuroscience. The Gowrishankar lab endeavors to uncover the neurobiological basis of motivated behaviors and how these basic mechanisms go awry in mouse models of substance use disorders, major depressive disorders and chronic pain. The lab utilizes a variety of systems neuroscience techniques including anatomical tracing, in situ hybridization, opto- and chemo-genetics, in vivo fiber photometry and in vivo two-photon imaging. Prior experience in mouse handling, a demonstrated track record of publications and/or preprints is required; experience in in vivo imaging methodologies and substance use models is desired. For more details on the Gowrishankar Lab’s research and vision, please visit: The ideal individual for this position is an organized, detail-oriented, and intrinsically motivated person with a comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals, systems neuroscience research techniques and demonstrated track record in publishing research related to the lab’s interests. They will be able to learn new research skills, apply existing skills on new research topics, provide experimental assistance, contribute to the development and writing of research grants, contribute to research manuscripts and work well within a team. Training will be provided by the PI (Dr. Raaj Gowrishankar) on all aspects of the job description. This position is perfect for a recent graduate with a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related disciplines, or for those about to obtain their Ph.D. In neuroscience. to gain additional research experience before moving on to graduate or medical school. This person will be part of a new and dynamic research laboratory and will take ownership in laying the groundwork for the best lab practices and working environment for future lab members. This position is expected to start August 1, 2026.

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 DUTIES

• 50% Surgical and Behavioral Procedures in Mice: The ideal candidate will learn and perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto/chemogenetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation, fiber photometry and two-photon imaging experiments. The ideal candidate will also learn and conduct behavioral experimental procedures on these mice, including but not limited to mouse operant self-administration studies, mouse operant drug-self administration studies, mouse behavioral assays to study the impact of chronic pain, and depressive-like behavior.
• 20% Data Analyses: The ideal candidate will also learn and assist in the analysis of the data collected from these procedures using computational and statistical analyses in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• 10% Grant Writing: The ideal candidate will be expected to apply for intra- and extramural funding at all stages of their career and assist in writing grants with the PI for laboratory funding.
• 10% Animal Husbandry: The ideal candidate will assist in providing basic husbandry care for animals that are breeding and part of their own experimental studies. They will also assist in monitoring and maintaining mouse lines to facilitate their experimental studies.
• 10% Wet Lab Procedures with Tissue: The ideal candidate will learn and perform brain extractions and tissue collection. The ideal candidate will use this tissue to learn and perform a variety of ex-vivo techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, obtained on or before July 31, 2026
• Experience with mouse handling is a requirement
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Comprehensive Knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience core concepts
• Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (desired, but not required)

• Experience in systems neuroscience techniques such as in vivo fiber photometry and in vivo two-photon imaging
• Experience with substance use disorder animal models
• Experience with computational and statistical methods in programming languages such as MATLAB and PYTHON

Physical Requirements

• 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 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. (Continuous)
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. (Frequent)
• Computer literacy. (Frequent)
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required. (Frequent)
• Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent)
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. (Frequent)

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. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program,

MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet designated hospitals in South Carolina.