Job ID: 119797

Postdoctoral positions focused on understanding neural circuit mechanisms in neurodegeneration.

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 October 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 November 2024

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Columbia, Missouri

Country: United States

Institution: University of Missouri

Department: NextGen Precision Health

Description:

Laboratory Profile

The Saxena laboratory, recently relocated to the NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and our research bridges fundamental mechanisms associated with the dynamics of neuronal networks and the pathological interplay of neuronal networks in triggering and propagating neurodegeneration in pre-defined networks. Topics under investigation involve the circuit mechanisms of disease and the identification of molecular correlates, activity-dependent synaptic-proteome, and interactome-shaping plasticity, the role of neuroinflammation on circuit function, and the crosstalk between cellular organelles in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and functional networks.

Our experimental approaches include in vivo two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, connectomics, two-photon patterned optogenetics, and analytic approaches borrowing from causal network inferencing, machine learning, and control theory. Problems are tackled in the awake-behaving setting, across synaptic to network scales. Successful candidates should demonstrate exceptional creativity, flexibility, good communication skills, and strong scientific writing skills.

Our lab is part of a growing vibrant neuroscience research community through the NextGen Precision Health Initiative and, postdoctoral fellows will benefit from a state-of-the-art infrastructure and highly dynamic lab environment, where research groups are interested in resolving enigmatic questions spanning from substrates of physiological aging to the role and remodeling of neuronal circuits in pathological neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, to disorders associated with the sensory and peripheral nervous system as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with computational neuroscientists within and outside the campus. Further, the overarching goal of NextGen Precision Health is to engage in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge translational research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies.

Welcome | NextGen Precision Health (missouri.edu)

Smita Saxena, PhD – MU School of Medicine (missouri.edu)

Qualifications

Ideal candidates are expected to have expertise in 2-photon calcium imaging and in vivo optical methods. Electrophysiology knowledge is a plus. Interest in combining experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches is a plus. The selected candidate will be creative, collaborative, and ambitious with an excellent publication record during their doctoral and postdoctoral work in neuroscience, systems biology, computer science, or related disciplines.

Application Materials

Candidates should send applications or queries directly to Prof. Smita Saxena at smitasaxena@missouri.edu. Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research accomplishments and goals, and a list of three references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for university benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on university benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research, and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn, and innovate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment based on their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.