Post Doctoral Fellow (Two Vacancies)

The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform independent and/or directed research activities to fulfill the aims of the laboratory's NIH-funded grant under the direction of the laboratory Principle Investigator (PI), Dr. Ben Richardson in the Department of Pharmacology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. Broadly, this laboratory addresses issues in understanding neural circuits and their role in disease using a multi-level state-of-the-art approach. The primary activities of the Fellow will be to perform whole cell electrophysiology, in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavioral assays, viral injections in rodents, microscopy, and training of students and laboratory staff.

The main role of the Fellow is to design and execute studies aimed at understanding the neurological basis if neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Specifically, these studies will determine how deletion of Autism-linked genes disrupts the development and mature circuit function of the cerebellar cortex. To address functional cellular level changes in developing and adult mutant mice, classic electrophysiology approaches in brain slices from wildtype and mutant will be combined with ligand photo-uncaging, optogenetics and pharmacology. In parallel, a transgenic approach will be used to determine how cellular level changes may lead to disrupted motor and non-motor behaviors. Rodent behavior in a battery of sensory, motor, anxiety, memory, and social behaviors will be evaluated with the potential to pharmacologically or chemogenetically modulate cerebellar influence on behavioral performance. In line with other projects in the lab, the Fellow may also lead efforts to identify the underlying cerebellar-relevant nodes of the circuit involved in these disrupted behaviors observed in mutant mice. Finally, the fellow may contribute to in vivo recording studies in wildtype and mutant mice to determine how cellular and synaptic level changes affect activity of the cerebellar circuit in vivo.

The position is one year in duration and will be renewed annually based on Fellow performance and funding availability.

I. Administration 10%
1. Help obtain information relevant to making purchase decisions.
2. Direct the management and genotyping of the animal colony in conjunction with research staff.
3. Help order approved laboratory supplies and reagents.
4. Assist with scheduling experiments, laboratory equipment usage and availability.
II. Teaching 15%
1. Assist in training students and laboratory staff.
III. Research 75%
1. Conduct investigator-initiated and independent research projects under the general supervision of the PI or in conjunction with graduate students.
2. Perform and design electrophysiology recordings from model system central nervous system.
3. Perform and design survival viral injection surgery in rodents.
4. Perform or direct histological preparation (including microscopy) and neurochemical procedures consistent with the project.
5. Prepare reagents used for experiments with accuracy and consistency.
6. Perform data reduction and analysis and preparation for oral and written dissemination.
7. Maintain detailed records of laboratory work performed.
IV. Service 0 %

PhD in an appropriate field (e.g. pharmacology, biology, neuroscience, etc.).
Experience in electrophysiology.
Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in data analysis and preparation for publication.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, displays initiative.
Ability to work well in a team and independently.
Previous experience working with mice or rats.

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hrrecruitment@siumed.edu or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

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Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.