| Job Description: |
The Urs Lab (https://sites.google.com/site/urslabuf/) in the Department of Pharmacology and
Therapeutics, at the University of Florida College of Medicine, has a postdoctoral associate position
available immediately to start working on a funded R01 grant. If you are interested in Neuronal
Circuitry, especially cortical dopamine circuitry, Behavioral Flexibility, have experience with or
have interest in fiber photometry and opto/chemogenetics, then you should consider applying for
this position. This position involves deciphering the role of cortical dopamine circuits in cognitive
flexibility and their regulation of striatal dopamine dynamics.
Our laboratory uses behavioral, neurochemistry, circuit mapping, and molecular approaches
toward the fundamental understanding of how dopamine neurotransmission regulates
reinforcement learning and motivated behavior in normal and pathological conditions. Along with
behavioral studies our laboratory will be using state-of-the art techniques such as fiber photometry
to understand dopamine dynamics during behavior. Our lab has recently discovered novel
topographical organization of cortical dopamine circuits (Green et al eNeuro 2020) and novel
mechanisms of regulation of tonic and phasic striatal dopamine signals (Delaney et al Nature NPP
2024). The candidate will design and execute behavioral experiments and analyze fiber
photometry data from multiple brain regions. Additionally, the candidate will apply
opto/chemogenetic techniques to manipulate neuronal populations and test their effects on striatal
dopamine dynamics. The candidates will also be expected to write papers, present at scientific
conferences and participate in grant writing.
The candidate will also be expected to write manuscripts, participate in all levels of communication
of research findings and participate in grant proposal writing to support the lab with the goal to
originate their own research grant proposal.
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| Preferred Qualifications: |
1. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or other related fields and
have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, organizational skills, strong work ethics,
and motivational drive, the ability to design and carry out research independently, and evidence
of sufficient research experiences (e.g. publication record).
2. Experience in animal behavior, fiber photometry or neurochemistry is desirable.
3. Proficiency in basic cell culture techniques, immunohistochemistry, imaging techniques,
including fluorescence and confocal microscopy is desirable.
4. Experience with in vivo techniques involving rodent models (drug delivery, behavior,
tissue/fluid collection, animal surgery etc.) is an advantage.
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
In order to be considered applications, including curriculum vitae and bibliography, summary of past accomplishments, and at least two letters of recommendation from immediate supervisors, should be submitted together.
The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
This is a time limited position.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
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