Postdoctoral Scholar in Gut-Brain Axis

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Laboratory of Dr. Karolina Skibicka in the College of Health and Human Development, Department of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with interest in gut-brain communication of hormonal (e.g. GLP-1) or neural (vagus) origin in health and disease. We have a long-standing interest in exploring gut-brain communication and a history of innovative discoveries in this research area (if curious see our highlighted publications: Biological Psychiatry,Molecular Psychiatry, PNAS, and Neuropsychopharmacology).

This position will require competence in using a wide range of molecular and in vivo experimental techniques. Work will include rodent behavioral testing (feeding, motivation, impulsivity, and/or emotionality), rodent neuroanatomy, microdissection for genetic analyses, confocal microscopy, stereotaxic surgery, in vivo optogenetics, and metabolic characterization. It will also include work with genetic vectors and pharmacological techniques in combination with stereotaxic surgery in rats. Performing fundamental molecular techniques, including RNAscope, immunohistochemistry, and PCR, will also be routine. The successful candidate must have experience in working with some of the above-mentioned methods. We expect the candidate to independently perform rodent experiments by employing the methods mentioned above, analyze existing data sets, assist with regulatory compliance, and contribute to the dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.

This position offers an opportunity to conduct scientific research within a highly motivated, international team and fully equipped laboratories in state-of-the-art facilities. We will offer comprehensive mentoring, opportunities for conference presentations, grant-writing support, and further support for career development.

The Postdoctoral Researcher must be able to work independently and as an interdisciplinary team member where they will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Additional qualifications include strong oral and written communication skills, excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, and a detail-oriented work style. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (Neuroscience, Physiology, or related field). Additional experience using in vivo photometry or voltammetry is desirable but not required. Experience working the vagus nerve, including precise vagal and nodose ganglia injections, will also be a plus.

Please include a cover letter (highlighting research experience and future research plans), a copy of your most recent CV (including education, work experiences, publications, and a description of previous research), and the contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. This is a term appointment NIH-funded for one year from date of hire with potential for renewal given positive performance.

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