Post-Doctoral Associate (ENTO) - University of Minnesota - 15th Ave

Apply for Job Job ID365238 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyAcademic Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9546 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Animal Behavior and Physiology. Individuals may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry. Preferred Qualifications: Seeking a neuroethologist with a strong background in neuroendocrinology and physiology. Prefer someone with a history of studying invertebrates or lower vertebrate systems. Also, would prefer someone who has a long-standing interest in understanding the evolutionary and neurobiological aspects of animal behavior. Technical skills Experience designing and conducting behavioral experiments Experience recording and analyzing electrical signals from the nervous system Molecular techniques: PCR, qPCR, RNA extraction, cDNA construction Histological neural tissue processing Proficient in R and MATLAB Position Summary: Post-Doctoral Associates conduct research and/or service that provides further development of career skills or allows them opportunities to learn new research techniques. They are trained by and work in conjunction with a faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. The Mesce lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to work on a study of locomotor restoration in the medicinal leech (Hirudo). The lab is housed in the Department of Entomology on the St Paul campus (U of M). Dr. Mesce is also affiliated with the Grad Program in Entomology and the Grad Program in Neuroscience. The goal of the research project is to understand how neural networks for locomotion, in the form of crawling, become remodeled after brain descending information is removed. The project will involve analyses at various levels of complexity, including changes in neuroanatomy, neuromodulators (especially dopamine), and gene expression. The individual will also monitor the recovery of locomotion at the behavioral level, and track the remodeling of identified stretch receptors during the course of locomotor recovery using cell-tracing techniques and immunohistochemistry. A variety of optical-imaging techniques will also be used to examine the functional activity of recovered ganglia in response to dopamine, which is a potent activator of crawling behavior. Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees. Job Duties: (_80_%) Research and analysis related to locomotor recovery in the leech (_10__%) Assisting with general lab maintenance, including purchasing lab-related items (_10__%) Helping advise junior personnel or undergraduate students with their projects Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, plea e click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume (CV). To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022). The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. 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