Postdoctoral Research Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The Sciolino Lab in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Connecticut on the Storrs Campus is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead independent and collaborative projects in behavioral and systems neuroscience. The successful candidate will join an NIH-funded project investigating how neuromodulatory systems interact with central taste processing regions to regulate behavior.

About The Lab

The Sciolino Laboratory , established in 2021 in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, studies how neuromodulatory systems—particularly norepinephrine (NE)—shape neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors, including feeding, taste-guided behavior, and threat avoidance. Our NIH-funded research uses in vivo neural recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays to understand neural circuit function.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Design and lead innovative behavioral and systems neuroscience projects.
• Perform in vivo recordings and circuit manipulations in behaving mice.
• Develop and optimize behavioral paradigms.
• Conduct stereotaxic surgeries, viral targeting, optogenetic manipulations, histology, and anatomical validation.
• Analyze high-dimensional neural and behavioral datasets.
• Mentor trainees and contribute to a collaborative, rigorous lab environment.
• Contribute to grant writing and develop independent funding opportunities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field by the start date.
• Strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience.
• Experience with rodent behavior and/or in vivo neuroscience approaches.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience working independently and collaboratively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with in vivo electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging data collection and analysis.
• Experience with machine learning–based behavioral quantification (e.g., DeepLabCut, MoSeq).
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, R, or related platforms for neural and behavioral data analysis.
• Experience developing independent research questions and pursuing external funding.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $63,480 to $67,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves headers at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Graduate Employee & Postdoc Union bargaining unit and look for information specifically identified for Postdoctoral Research Associates, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. The appointment is expected to be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability. This position is covered under the UConn Postdoctoral Scholar union (UAW) contract. Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Connecticut receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with University policies and the Postdoctoral Scholar union contract.

Salary will follow the University of Connecticut Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale, which is aligned with NIH NRSA stipend levels, with a minimum salary consistent with institutional and Postdoctoral Scholar union (UAW) guidelines. Final compensation will be determined based on years of relevant postdoctoral experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This position will remain open until filled.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.