Employment

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE

A Postdoctoral position is available immediately (APRIL 1 2011; start date is flexible) in the laboratory of Dr. Victoria Risbrough, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego. Research in the laboratory focuses on cross-species translational research with relevance to neuro-psychiatric disorders. Current topics of interest in the laboratory are mechanisms of stress and their contribution to development of neuropsychiatric disorders such PTSD, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. Specifically we aim to 1) develop animal models of these disorders, 2) understand the neurobiology contributing toward these deficits using genetic and pharmacological techniques, and 3) develop complementary tasks of stress responding for pharmacological challenge studies in humans. Developing these models include both developing paradigms with cross-species translational validity and manipulating the animal via pharmacologic, genetic, or developmental means. The position available is to work on a recently funded R01 award examining the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulations of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system in the development of enduring anxiety using a feline predator stress model of PTSD in mice. This position involves use of transgenic mouse model (tissue-specific conditional overexpression of CRF) to examine critical developmental windows of CRF contribution to trait stress responding across the lifetime. This position also involves using stereotaxic techniques combined with pharmacological and viral tools to identify neural circuits and systems underlying maladaptive responses after trauma exposure in adult mice. There will also be opportunity for the candidate to develop skills in other areas, including development of human models of stress responding. The candidate should hold a Ph.D., have a strong conceptual and experimental background in neuroscience, experience in general neuroscience techniques (e.g. in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry), as well as be proactive, independent, hardworking, productive, and enjoy working as part of a team. The most competitive candidates will be those with at least one first-author publication in the field and should be committed to eventually becoming self-funded via grant applications. Please send your CV, a brief statement of current and future research interests, and three references to: Victoria Risbrough, Ph.D. vrisbrough@ucsd.edu

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stress and Alcohol Research

The University of South Dakota (USD) invites highly motivated applicants for a 2-year, grant funded, postdoctoral fellowship to study the behavioral, cognitive and neural aspects underlying posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use in veteran populations. This is a highly interdisciplinary position under the primary supervision of Dr. Gina Forster (Sanford School of Medicine), and Drs. Jeffrey Simons and Raluca Gaher (Department of Psychology). The fellow will have the opportunity to work with clinical psychologists, neuroscientists, neurologists and radiologists within the dynamic and productive NIH- and DoD-funded USD Neuroscience Group and Clinical Psychology Program. Applicants should have a Ph.D. and/or M.D., or equivalent degree in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry or related discipline. The optimal candidate will have experience with psychological assessment, neuropsychological tests or functional magnetic resonance imaging, although training will be provided. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing is required. Please contact Dr. Forster (gforster@usd.edu) for further details. Applications should include curriculum vitae, a summary of past research experience, and a statement of future plans. All application materials should be sent to The University of South Dakota online employment website at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. All offers of employment are contingent on the favorable results of a comprehensive background check. AA/EOE. End date: 1st March 2011

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION: PRECLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF COGNITION

A Postdoctoral position is available immediately (Feb 1st 2011; start date is flexible) in the laboratory of Professor Mark A. Geyer, University of California, San Diego.
Research in the laboratory focuses on cross-species translational research with relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders. Current topics of interest in the laboratory are cognition in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome. Specifically we aim to 1) develop animal models of these disorders, 2) understand the neurobiology contributing toward these deficits. Developing these models include both developing paradigms with cross-species translational validity and manipulating the animal via pharmacologic, genetic, or developmental means.

The position available is to develop a rodent operant paradigm of negative priming to study priming deficits in patients with schizophrenia and Tourette’s syndrome. Primarily focused in rats, the development of this paradigm in mice would also be desired. This paradigm will form part of a larger battery used to develop animal models of these diseases as well as to test putative therapeutics. There will also be opportunity for the candidate to develop skills in other areas.

Selected reference:

Young JW, Powell SB, Risbrough V, Marston HM, Geyer MA. (2009). Using the MATRICS to guide development of a preclinical cognitive test battery for research in schizophrenia. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 122(2):150-202.

The candidate should hold a Ph.D., have a strong conceptual and experimental background in psychopharmacology, as well as be proactive, independent, hardworking, productive, and enjoy working as part of a team. The most competitive candidates will be those with at least one first-author publication in the field and should be committed to becoming self-funded via grant applications.

Please send your CV, a brief statement of current and future research interests, and three references to: Prof. Mark A. Gayer, c/o Dr. Jared W. Young (Email: jaredyoung@ucsd.edu), 9500 Gilman Drive, CTF B401, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Postdoctoral fellowship available in the lab of Dr. Karyn Frick starting February, 2011 to study how aging, ovarian hormones, and environmental enrichment affect memory and hippocampal function in rodents. This work is focused on identifying the molecular mechanisms in the hippocampus through which hormones and enrichment modulate memory in young and aging rodents. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Psychology or related discipline, and should be highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in molecular biology/biochemistry, stereotaxic surgery, and behavioral testing especially desirable. Additional information on the lab is available at http://uwm.edu/~frickk. Please send CV with names of three references and a statement of research interests to Dr. Karyn M. Frick at frickk@uwm.edu

Graduate student openings in Behavioral Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

I am actively recruiting two new graduate students to join my lab in Fall 2011. Our studies combine a variety of approaches including behavioral, biochemical, pharmacological, genetic, and anatomical methods in order to gain a more detailed picture of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of aging, estrogens, progestagens, environmental enrichment, and stress on the hippocampus and hippocampal memory formation. The Neuroscience Program in Psychology has expanded significantly in recent years with the addition of 5 new faculty. My newly renovated lab is one of 9 active neuroscience labs in the department, all of which focus on the neurobiology of learning and memory. For more information on the lab, please see http://uwm.edu/~frickk or contact me at frickk@umw.edu. Additional information on the program can be found at www.uwm.edu/Dept/Psychology.

FACULTY POSITION IN COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

As part of a major research growth initiative, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is seeking applicants for a faculty position in Cognitive Neuroscience. This position will build directly on the current strength of our program (neuroscience.uwm.edu) and the appointment will be made at the Assistant Professor level.

Successful applicants will participate in the Center for Imaging Research (www.firc.mcw.edu) which provides multiple research dedicated imaging platforms and technical infrastructure for brain mapping in human subjects and laboratory animals. Area of research specialization is open but outstanding individuals with interests in attention, perception, action, language, or emotion are particularly encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include developing an independent extramurally funded research program and teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the neurosciences and experimental psychology.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a closely related field, research interests in cognitive neuroscience, and significant postdoctoral research experience. Preferred qualifications are strong potential for extramural funding; demonstrated research productivity; interest in fostering graduate and undergraduate research experience; excellence in graduate and undergraduate teaching; and the ability to strengthen or expand existing programs.

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2010 and continue until the positions are filled. To apply online please see: http://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/4938

A complete application will consist of a cover letter, vita, a concise statement of research interests, and three letters of reference. Candidates may submit a statement of teaching interests. All application materials may be submitted electronically, except applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be mailed to Neuroscience Search Committee, Department of Psychology, UWM, PO Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201. UWM is an equal opportunity institution committed to diversity.

Tenure-Track in Neuroscience

The Department of Psychology at The College of the Holy Cross invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in neuroscience beginning August 2011. This search emphasizes research in animal or human neuroscience from an approach that could range from behavioral genetics and molecular neuroscience to behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate will teach intermediate and advanced courses in his or her specialty area and service courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Statistics or Research Methods, and also contribute to the College’s Biological Psychology Concentration. Psychology faculty are expected to maintain an active independent research program and to demonstrate a commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching. A Ph.D. is required. This position carries a 3-2 teaching load with a full-salary one-semester leave prior to tenure review and generous sabbatical and fellowship leaves for senior faculty. A cover letter describing teaching and research interests, CV, teaching philosophy, transcripts, and three letters, including one that speaks about teaching, should be sent to Mark Hallahan, Chair, Psychology Department, REF: IBNS, 1 College Street, Worcester MA 01610. Review of applications begins November 15 and will continue until the position has been filled. The College of the Holy Cross is a highly selective Catholic liberal arts college in the Jesuit tradition. Holy Cross belongs to the College of Worcester Consortium (http://www.cowc.org) and the New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (http://www.newenglandherc.org). The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action in the workplace.

Postdoctoral Position

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Health Science Center to investigate the role of endocannabinoids and PPAR receptors in animal models of Parkinson’s disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Applicants must have a PhD, supervisory and leadership skills, a minimum of three years postdoctoral experience. The ideal candidate should have expertise in Parkinson’s disease research and stereotaxic surgery, as well as in two of the following areas: behavioral pharmacology, signal transduction, molecular biology, stem cells. A commitment for at least two years is expected. Send curriculum vitae and the names of three references to Dr. Andrea Giuffrida, Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA. Email: Giuffrida@uthscsa.edu All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE

Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and conducting an independent, externally-funded research program. We seek a talented scientist who will develop a research program investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying social and affective behavior using animal models. A multidisciplinary systems approach to understanding emotion and social behavior is especially encouraged, with preference given to those applicants whose research program incorporates recent molecular advances in epigenetic, viral vector, and gene knock-out technology. /span>Applicants should have a doctorate in psychology, behavioral neuroscience, neurobiology, or related field, a strong record of publication, and strong potential for external research funding. Application materials to be submitted online include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statemen t, and a . The applicant should ask each reference to submit a letter (as a pdf attachment) directly to psychneurosearch@neu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, all application materials, including the reference letters, should be submitted by November 1, 2010. To apply, visit "Careers at Northeastern" at: https://psoft.neu.edu/psc/neuhrprdpub/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/NEU_HR.NEU_JOBS.GBL. Click on "Faculty Positions" and search for the current position under the College of Science. You can also apply by visiting the College of Science website at: http://www.northea tern.edu/cos/ and clicking on the Faculty Positions button. Northeastern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Educational Institution and Employer, Title IX University. Northeastern University particularly welcomes applications from minorities, women and persons with disabilities. Northeastern University is an E-Verify Employer.

Postdoctoral Research Position on Molecular approaches to Behavioral Neuroscience

Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. A postdoctoral position is immediately available for a candidate with interest in understanding the interactions between genes and behavior. We are searching for a candidate with strong background in molecular approaches to neuroscience (with expertise in one or several of the following techniques: qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, microarrays, epigenetic analyses, genetic analyses such as SNPs or sequencing). Some knowledge of the field of behavioral neuroscience (learning and memory, psychopathology) is desirable, but not compulsive. The successful applicant will investigate the role of genetic factors in the vulnerability to stress-induced cognitive and psychopathological alterations in rodents. The project involves the application of a number of molecular and behavioral approaches. The research will be conducted at the Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics (http://lgc.epfl.ch/) at the recently developed Brain Mind Institute (EPFL; http://bmi.epfl.ch/), a center dedicated to exploring the emergence of higher brain function across multiple levels ranging from gene expression to cognition and emotional processing. Interested applicants must have a PhD in Molecular Neuroscience or related discipline, with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. More information about our laboratory projects can be obtained on the web (http://lgc.epfl.ch/). The position is immediately available, initially for 1 year and possible to extend for 3 additional years. Interested candidates should send by email a pdf document including: CV, a research statement -indicating scientific interests and relevant experience- and the names of 3 reference persons to: Prof. Carmen Sandi,
Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Bat. AAB. Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne,
Switzerland, E-mail: carmen.sandi@epfl.ch.

POST-DOCTORAL POSITION, PRE-CLINICAL STUDIES OF DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE, UTHSCSA

Join Dr. Lance McMahon at UTHSCSA, Department of Pharmacology, to conduct NIH/NIDA-funded research examining neurobiological mechanisms underlying the acute and chronic effects of drugs, including tolerance and dependence. Current projects focus on nicotine acetylcholine and cannabinoid receptor systems. Research integrates behavioral and pharmacologic approaches in non-human primates and rodents. Applicants must have a PhD in pharmacology, psychology, or neuroscience and be highly motivated to participate in a vibrant research program, present research findings at domestic and international meetings, and publish. San Antonio is a large metropolitan city with a competitive cost of living. UTHSCSA is a highly competitive research center consisting of top-ranked medical, dental, and graduate schools within the University of Texas System. Submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and recommendation letters to mcmahonl@uthscsa.edu. All postdoctoral appointments are designated as security sensitive positions. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Postdoctoral Position at Penn State Hershey

The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Department of Neural & Behavioral Sciences is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral scholar to participate in basic science research investigating the neurobiology of central regulation of eating and taste reward. The successful candidate must have a background in neuroscience and hands-on experience with extracellular electrophysiological recording techniques in vivo in rats.

The position is available beginning immediately and initially for 1 year with the potential for renewal. Salary conforms to NIH standards. Email a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Andras Hajnal M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, H181, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Fax: (717) 531-0954; E-mail: ahajnal@psu.edu.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce. For your health, Hershey Medical Center is a smoke-free campus.