BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY This job is for 50% FTE (20-hours/week). To conduct experimental research work in a neuro-behavioral laboratory, including testing and evaluating current procedures; to judge the validity of experimental data obtained; to prepare manuscripts; to prepare data for presentation at meetings and in manuscripts; to instruct students and other personnel in behavioral and molecular biological techniques, in the preparation of virus and mouse care. CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To identify and define problems that can be addressed by scientific research. To develop working hypotheses that can be tested by electrophysiological, behavioral and cell biological approaches. To perform experiments using intracranial injections into mouse brain regions, cell biological techniques (culturing mammalian cells, and transfection of cells for virus production to be used for gene delivery to specific neurons) and behavioral testing of eating, stress, activity and other metabolic changes in animals. To write research projects and progress reports; produce experimental designs, analyze imaging and biological data and prepare graphs and other illustrations for representation of research findings; to judge the validity of data obtained from experimental procedures. To prepare manuscripts for publication. To prepare presentations (seminars and lectures) of the research results. To train, schedule, assign and evaluate work of support personnel and students in different methods and data analysis. SUPERVISION RECEIVED General supervision is received from Dr. Songhai Chen. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Functional supervision may be exercised over laboratory assistants, students and junior postdoctoral fellows as requested by the supervisor. EDUCATION REQUIRED Requires a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a similar scientific field. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Experience in epigenetics and molecular biological techniques, especially in single cell RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR Experience in high-throughput data analysis Expertise in mammalian cell culture, microbiological techniques, virus production, intracranial injections into mouse brain, brain sectioning and staining as well as application and analysis of optogenetic and chemogenetic behavioral tests using mouse models, experience in sophisticated behavioral data analysis HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS 6 or more years of postdoctoral training Experience in performing gene transfer to neurons using viral vectors via intracranial injections Experience in behavioral testing using various mouse models Established track record of scientific productivity (e.g., authorships in peer-reviewed publications). Excellent organizational and communication skills and ability to work independently. Willingness to work flexible hours. |
University of Iowa
Jun 04, 2025