Postdoctoral associate/Senior scientist

Department of Neuroscience and Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science, University of Minnesota, MN

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate/senior scientist for the Integrated Circuit Neuroscience labs (), which are part of the Department of Neuroscience and the Medical Discovery Team on Optical Imaging and Brain Science at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. The labs are located at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), home to some of the most advanced MR instrumentation in the world. In addition, the Optical Imaging team has access to state-of-the-art single- and multiphoton instruments for cellular resolution calcium and voltage imaging in behaving animals. The multipopulation voltage imaging technique, developed by the principal investigators (see refs.: Kannan, Vasan et al., Nature Methods, 2018; Science, 2022) is uniquely poised to provide insights into the dynamics of genetically targeted neuron types in cortical and subcortical areas, during rodent behavior, at single-neuron, single-spike resolution.

The labs are funded by the departmental startup as well by multi-year NIH BRAIN Initiative and NARSAD Young Investigator grants that support the engineering and application of innovative optical technologies to dissect the circuit and network basis of mental experience and behavior.

Job Description:
The incoming candidate will examine the circuit and network mechanisms underlying rodent behavior and the real-time dynamic interactions between genetically targeted neuron types during attentional paradigms/virtual navigation. The candidate will be trained in cutting-edge techniques including cellular resolution voltage and calcium imaging in behaving animals, targeted gene perturbation, and single-cell transcriptomics. They will participate in all aspects of the project from conception to data acquisition, analyses, and the dissemination of the work. They will have multiple opportunities to train graduate and undergraduate students, collaborate with other labs in the department, and compete for early career fellowships.

Consideration will also be given to exceptional international applicants with a proven track record. The salaries are highly competitive and includes a comprehensive benefits package, as detailed below.

Required Qualifications:
* Ph.D. degree in the life sciences or engineering with a strong background in cellular, circuits, or systems neuroscience. For consideration as a senior scientist, the candidate should have at least 2-4 years of postdoctoral experience.
* Experience with live tissue/live animal fluorescence imaging, and/or slice electrophysiology.
* Prior experience with stereotaxic rodent surgeries, including intracranial viral vector infusions and cranial window implantations, subcortical cannular implantations, and/or animal behavioral assays is highly desired.
* An excellent track record, as evidenced by first-author publications and conference presentations.
* Knowledge of programming languages, such as MATLAB, for data acquisition and analyses.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's . The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the .

Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), funded as a Biotechnology Research Center (BTRC) by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) until 2012 and by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) since then, focuses on development of unique magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy methodologies and instrumentation for the acquisition of structural, functional, and biochemical information non-invasively in humans, and utilizing this capability to investigate organ function in health and disease. Learn more about CMRR at

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please include a CV, 2-page research statement, and the contact information for 3 referees in a single PDF.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

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.

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).