Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate 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. 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 Salary Details Minimum Salary - 20,000 Mid Range Salary - 90,000 Maximum Salary - 200,000 Benefits - 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 Daily Work Shift 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. Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment - PHYSICALDEMANDS: Sitting, standing, walking, fine motor work under a microscope, and occasional lifting of small packages, equipment, or animal carriers. WORKENVIRONMENT; Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory. Special Conditions Posting Details Posting Number - 26ST1257 Posting Open Date Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus - Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Home Location Campus - Piscataway (RBHS) City - Piscataway State - NJ Location Details Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. 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: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences