Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine (CABM) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to join an exciting neuroscience project developing and utilizing new optical and molecular tools to study neural circuits. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Ian Oldenburg, the Postdoctoral Associate will investigate the role of neural activity in guiding and initiating motor actions.

The Oldenburg Lab uses and develops advanced microscopy techniques, including multiphoton holographic optogenetics and calcium imaging in awake head fixed mice, to understand how groups of neurons work together to enact motor actions. Neural activity is complex and high dimensional with some activity patterns being associated with movements and others not. By using our novel techniques, that can drive precise patterns of activity distributed across many neurons, we can test different theories of the 'population code', gaining a causal understanding of how population activity drives actions. The postdoc will work with the PI to develop an independent project, that leverages the expertise of the lab and the skills and interests of the postdoc. In addition to multiphoton imaging and multiphoton optogenetics, projects may also involve animal training, electrical and optical engineering, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and/or computational analyses. The postdoc will have the opportunity to guide the research of an undergraduate research assistant, if desired. Mentorship is a core mission of the Oldenburg Lab. All members of the lab are expected to be helpful and supportive of each other. The PI will endeavor to do what he can to help each member succeed, both within the lab and when they eventually move on. As such, every member of the lab is encouraged to explore that which interests them and to share their specific expertise. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to attend scientific conferences and learn appropriate scientific methods and procedures.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Carry out multiphoton optogenetic manipulation and imaging of neural activity in head-fixed rodents.
• Conduct rodent surgeries, rodent training, computational analyses, and other procedures necessary for the advancement of the project.
• Participate in the configuration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including computers, necessary for conduct of the project.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the preparation of research grant and fellowship applications.
• Supervise and guide the research project of an undergraduate research assistant.

FLSA - Exempt

Grade

Salary Details - A minimum of $63,968 for calendar year appointments

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 - Day

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 - Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Optical Physics/Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related science is required. Ph.D. Candidates who meet requirements with All But Degree (ABD) will be considered.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Prior experience and productivity in research must be demonstrated. Experience is required with modern analytical neuroscience techniques. The candidate is expected to be proficient in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications - Previous experience with optics, in vivo imaging, mouse genetics, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and computational analyses is preferred. Previous mentoring experience is desirable.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment - PHYSICALDEMANDS: Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations including pipetting and use of microscopes. Lifting up to 25 lbs. WORKENVIRONMENT: Lab environment. Universal precautions are mandatory.

Special Conditions