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Postdoctoral position in neural control of limb movement, University of Southampton
Research Fellow: Neuroscience
£27,183–£33,432 per annum
School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellow to develop a joint research project funded by the BBSRC/EPSRC between Professor Philip Newland (School of Biological Sciences) and Dr David Simpson and Professor Robert Allen (Institute of Sound and Vibration Research) on the neural control of limb movement. The position, based in the School of Biological Sciences, is for two years and ideally would suit a researcher with a background in neurobiology and/or computational neuroscience.
The objective of the study is to understand how the nervous system of an animal, the locust, is able to produce precise movements of its limbs, by using established signal processing techniques to quantify the non-linear properties of the neural network that produces and controls limb movement. The project will make use of combined electrophysiological, confocal imaging, and signal processing techniques to understand how specific interneurones and their individual dendrites contribute to signal limb control.
The School of Biological Sciences (http://www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/research/index.php) encourages interdisciplinary approaches in the life sciences. You will have recently obtained a PhD in a relevant area, ideally neuroscience, pharmacology, biomedical signal processing or neuroengineering. You should be an innovative scientist, a good teamworker and an excellent communicator, and keen to develop multidisciplinary research.
Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Prof Phil Newland (pln@soton.ac.uk) on +44 (0)23 8059 4339.
The closing date for this position is 23 June 2009 at 12:00 midday. Please quote reference number 3461-09-M on all correspondence.
[Posted 15 June 2009]
Postdoctoral position in neurobiology of social processes, Michigan State University
Applications for postdoctoral training are being accepted through an National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) training grant on the integrative neurobiology of social processes at Michigan State University. Michigan State University has a long history of excellence in the study of neurobiology, neuroendocrinology, and social behavior. Applicants, who must have a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree, will have the opportunity to work in the laboratory of one or more of our highly interactive and collaborative training faculty (Marc Breedlove, Lynwood Clemens, Heather Eisthen, Kay Holekamp, Cynthia Jordan, Kelly Klump, Weiming Li, Joseph Lonstein, Antonio Nunez, Joseph Nunez, Cheryl Sisk, Juli Wade, Laura Smale) associated with the Departments of Neuroscience, Psychology, Zoology, and Fisheries & Wildlife. We encourage individuals from under-represented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply. The program is described at http://socialneuroscience.msu.edu.
For further information, please contact any of the training faculty directly, or write to Marc Breedlove, Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.
[Posted 15 June 2009]
Postdoctoral position in context dependent decision-making, University of North Carolina
The goal of this new NIH-funded research program is to understand the neurobiology of decision-making and to understand how ‘choice neurons’ are modulated by factors that influence the value of alternatives.
Using electrophysiology, the postdoctoral fellow will identify neurons that participate in decision-making during an ecologically relevant discrimination task (mate choice) using spadefoot toads as a model system. Additionally, the postdoctoral fellow will investigate the mechanisms by which the internal factors (energetic condition) and external factors (environmental conditions) that change the value of alternatives modulate neural activity.
Previous experience with electrophysiology is required. The position is open immediately and is guaranteed for a year with possible extensions. Pay will be based on experience and is expected to be in accord with the NRSA stipend levels.
This research program is a collaboration between the laboratories of Dr. Karin Pfennig and Dr. Sabrina Burmeister at the University of North Carolina. For information or to apply, email sburmeister@unc.edu.
[Posted 1 June 2009]
Postdoctoral position in neuronal homeostasis, University of Florida
A postdoctoral position in neuroscience is available at the University of Florida Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and the College of Medicine Neuroscience Department, in the laboratory of Dirk Bucher.
The aim of the project is to study the homeostatic regulation of synaptic and intrinsic neuronal properties in the stomatogastric nervous system of crabs and lobsters. The position is NIH funded and can start immediately. Interest/training in electrophysiology is preferred, but applicants with a background in molecular neuroscience are welcome. In this project we use electrophysiological, molecular, and anatomical approaches to investigate the regulation of neuron and network properties that, in the face of plastic changes, keep physiological parameters in a functional range. Further information on the projects in the lab can be found on the lab website: http://www.whitney.ufl.edu/BucherLab/index.htm.
Salary will be commensurate with level of experience. The Whitney lab is an off-campus institute in St. Augustine, Northeast Florida, in a spectacular beach location. For further information, go to http://www.whitney.ufl.edu. Please send curriculum vitae and contact information for references to bucher@whitney.ufl.edu.
[Posted 1 May 2009]
Postdoctoral position in comparative neuroanatomy, University of Alberta
A postdoctoral position is available to work on the comparative neuroanatomy of birds in Dr. D.R. Wylie’s laboratory at the University of Alberta. The focus of this project is to obtain a better understanding of morphological and neurochemical differences among avian species and how these differences relate to behaviour and ecology. Although this position will be located at the University of Alberta, it will involve extensive collaborations with Dr. A.N. Iwaniuk (University of Lethbridge) and other North American labs. The successful applicant should have experience in histology, immunohistochemistry and neuronal tract tracing. Experience with multivariate statistics and comparative methods as well as field experience is desirable, but not necessary. To apply, please contact either Dr. Wylie (dwylie@ualberta.ca) or Dr. Iwaniuk (andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca) for further details. The position will remain open until filled.
[Posted 1 May 2009]
Graduate student positions in neuroendocrinology, University of Lethbridge
I am looking for M.Sc. or Ph.D. students to join my lab in the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (University of Lethbridge) starting anytime from fall 2009 onwards. Research in my lab currently focuses on the neuroendocrine basis of courtship and social behaviour in grouse and ground squirrels. Students working in the lab will have the opportunity to engage in both field and lab work and collaborate with other labs at the CCBN and other departments and universities. Fieldwork will be carried out in a variety of locations including grasslands and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern and central Alberta. Although preference will be given to students with some field or lab experience, particularly neuroanatomy, immunohistochemistry and/or hormone assays, it is by no means necessary. Salary support is available, but students will be strongly encouraged to apply for scholarship support.
Prospective students should contact me directly, Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk (andrew.iwaniuk@uleth.ca), Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Please send me a summary of your research interests and why you might be interested in working in the lab as well as a copy of your CV with any publications, relevant qualifications, coursework, descriptions of lab and field experience, and the names and institutions of people you will ask for letters of reference. Applications are due by 1 December 2009.
The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience is a 60,000 square foot facility devoted to behavioural neuroscience (http://ccbn.uleth.ca/). The University of Lethbridge has an enrolment of over 8,000 students (http://www.uleth.ca) and an active graduate program offering both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. Lethbridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge) is situated on the Oldman River between the prairies and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, rock climbing, cross country and downhill skiing, fly fishing and canoeing, all within a 1-2 hour drive.
[Posted 1 May 2009]
Postdoctoral and research scientist positions in prey capture, Janelia Farm
Positions are available for both postdoctoral fellows and research scientists in the laboratory of Anthony Leonardo at the Janelia Farm Research Campus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Ashburn, VA; http://www.hhmi.org/janelia/).
Research in the laboratory is focused on the neural basis of prey capture, in both salamanders and dragonflies. We are working towards characterizing the entire sequence of circuit dynamics and computations underlying prey capture, from the eyes to the muscles. Our work takes a systems level approach, combining quantitative behavioral measurements, neural recordings (extracellular, intracellular, and optical), and theory. We are looking for candidates with an outstanding track record in at least one or more of these areas. More information on research in the lab, and ongoing projects, may be found here: (http://www.hhmi.org/research/groupleaders/leonardo.html).
Janelia Farm offers an unparalleled environment for scientific research, with generous benefits and competitive salaries. To apply, please send a CV, two representative papers, and contact info for 2-3 references to Anthony Leonardo (jfrcjobs@janelia.hhmi.org).
Howard Hughes Medical Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
[Posted 1 May 2009]
Research technician position in retina neurobiology, Janelia Farm
A research technician position is available in the laboratory of Anthony Leonardo at the Janelia Farm Research Campus (JFRC) of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Ashburn, VA).
We are investigating the neural basis of prey capture in the salamander retina. The technician position involves using a multi-electrode array to record extracellularly from large numbers of retinal ganglion cells while simultaneously delivering patterned light stimulation to the photoreceptors. More information on our lab may be found here: http://www.hhmi.org/research/groupleaders/leonardo.html.
An undergraduate degree, previous neurophysiology research experience, and proficiency with Matlab are required. This is an ideal position for a new college graduate who wishes to do a year or two of research before entering a Ph.D. program. This is a full-time position with a minimum one year commitment. To apply, please send a CV, research statement, and contact info for 2-3 references to Anthony Leonardo (jfrcjobs@janelia.hhmi.org).
Howard Hughes Medical Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
[Posted 1 May 2009]
Postdoctoral position in auditory neuroethology, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
A postdoctoral position in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior is available to investigate acoustic communication in a lower vertebrate model. Our NIH-funded research uses behavioral and neurophysiological methods to study the auditory systems and communication systems of treefrogs (http://umn.edu/home/mbee). The position involves the use of behavioral experiments to examine the mechanisms of sound source segregation in noisy social environments and it will also provide excellent opportunities to develop and implement methods for further investigating the neural mechanisms of hearing in these organisms. The position also provides an opportunity to interact with a large community of behavioral biologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, auditory neurophysiologists, audiologists, and hearing psychologists.
The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in animal behavior, psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. A background in animal acoustic communication, neuroethology, psychoacoustics, electrophysiology or auditory neurophysiology is preferred, and the candidate should have demonstrated competence in conducting experiments in one or more of these disciplines. Desirable applicants will also have the ability to perform digital signal processing using Matlab and/or other programming languages. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Interested applicants must apply online at http://employment.umn.edu. Search for requisition number 160547. Applications should include (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) a statement of research interests and experience (attach as Additional Document 1). PDF attachments of published or in press papers are encouraged but not required. In addition to applying online, please have two letters of recommendation sent via email (preferable as PDF files) to Dr. Mark Bee at mbee@umn.edu. Review of applications will begin after 1 June 2009, with an anticipated start date of September 2009.
[Posted 16 April 2009]
Postdoctoral position in zebrafish neuroscience, Ecole Normale Supérieure
Aiming to unravel how the nervous system processes cognitive functions and controls animal behaviour, the laboratory uses the zebrafish larva as the experimental model. Our research approach is multidisciplinary, including two-photon calcium imaging to monitor activity of large neural networks, motor behaviours, genetic engineering techniques to label, monitor and manipulate neuronal activity and mathematical and computational methods for data analysis.
We are currently looking for outstanding and enthusiastic postdocs.
Applications should be sent to Germán Sumbre by email to sumbre@ens.fr.
They should include a CV, a statement of future interests and two letters of reference. Experience in optics and computer programming will be advantageous.
For more, visit http://www.zebrafish-neuroethology.110mb.com.
[Posted 16 April 2009]
Postdoctoral position in sensory systems, West Virginia University
The Department of Biology at West Virginia University seeks to fill two postdoctoral positions in sensory neural systems and behavior as soon as possible. We seek candidates with interdisciplinary expertise in invertebrate electrophysiology, animal behavior or psychophysics. Candidates with additional expertise in computational methods, advanced statistical analysis or mathematical modeling of complex systems are preferred. Projects will be centered on understanding how responses of insect olfactory networks are modulated by stimulus dynamics and how this in turn affects sensory perception as measured in psychophysical experiments.
In addition to working at the Department of Biology, successful candidates will have opportunities to interact with researchers at the WVU Center for Neuroscience (http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/wvucn) and the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (http://www.brni.org).
Salaries will be consistent with NIH standards and commensurate with prior experience and performance. Qualified applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, a statement describing their research interests, representative publications, and letters of recommendation via email to Kevin Daly: kevin.daly@mail.wvu.edu. More information may be found at http://www.as.wvu.edu/daly. West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, national origin, or sexual orientation.
[Posted 2 April 2009]
Postdoctoral position in olfactory systems, Michigan State University
A postdoctoral position is available in Heather Eisthen's lab at Michigan State University to study mechanisms of modulation in the olfactory epithelium of aquatic salamanders (axolotls, Ambystoma mexicanum). In our recent work, we have found that two peptides present in fibers that innervate the nasal capsule, GnRH and NPY, modulate activity in the olfactory epithelium; interestingly, the effects depend on the animal's reproductive and nutritional state. We are now seeking to understand the mechanisms by which the effects of peptides change with the physiological state of the animal.
A strong interest in neuroethology, olfaction, or neuromodulation is required. The ideal candidate would have experience with both single-cell electrophysiology and molecular biology, but a background in one area and a willingness to learn the other is acceptable. In addition to the research described here, the candidate will have the option to participate in other projects in the lab. The candidate will also have the opportunity to interact with researchers in other chemosensory labs at MSU and the University of Michigan, as well as with the large group of researchers at MSU who study neuroendocrine mechanisms of behavior.
Two years of funding from an NSF grant are available; additional or alternative funding may also be available through local training grants. To apply, please send a cover letter that includes a summary of research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three potential references to Heather Eisthen, eisthen@msu.edu. Informal inquiries are also welcome.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
Website: www.msu.edu/~eisthen/lab
[Posted 2 April 2009]
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