Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

The Rosenkranz laboratory at the Brain Science Institute invites applicants for a postdoctoral neuroscientist position. As a postdoctoral scientist you will be part of a small lab that values scientific thought, curiosity, collaboration and mentorship. Our lab strongly values diversity and inclusion and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. The focus of our lab is understanding neural circuits of social function and anxiety, and how this is influenced by stress and adolescent maturation. We use a range of electrophysiological, fiber photometry, behavioral and molecular approaches to test these questions. Postdoctoral researchers are given opportunities to develop their research independence and mentoring. The laboratory is within the Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU), and has multiple collaborations with excellent scientists in this Center, and within other Centers at our University. The Brain Science Institute, and RFU in general, has an excellent environment for training. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the School for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, with opportunities for professional development. The successful candidate will have a PhD and experience in neuroscience research. This position is funded by a grant from NIH and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service. The University has a range of Employee Resource Group Opportunities and strives to promote diversity and equity. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Full time staff are eligible for 3 weeks of vacation / paid leave, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago's newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Laboratory scientific research, including formulating scientific questions, planning, implementing, analyzing and interpreting data.
• Communication of scientific data to lab and scientific community.
• Engaging with other scientists and trainees to implement collaborative projects.
• Learn and use electrophysiological, behavioral, surgical techniques in rodents, and other techniques if needed.
• Provide help to other lab members and collaborators as needed.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• PhD in Neuroscience or related field

• Demonstration of research productivity

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Basic neuroscience foundation

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of electrophysiology and imaging approaches.
• Expertise with advanced approaches for analysis of behavior and neuron activity.

• Proficiency with rodent surgery

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets