The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting experiments laid out in the NIMH R01 grant awarded to Dr. Veenema. Specifically, they will study the neural circuits underlying social play behavior in rats and how these circuits differ in males and females with a focus on sex‐specific effects mediated by the neuropeptide oxytocin. Specific responsibilities will include: 1) designing experiments in consultation with PI, 2) conducting surgical procedures in laboratory rats including viral vector injections, cannula placement, and microdialysis probe placement, 3) analysis of social play behavior, 4) performing rat brain extraction, 5) executing histological and molecular biology procedures, 6) performing data analysis, 7) training and mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory procedures, 8) training and co‐mentoring graduate students, 9) writing and submitting manuscripts, 10) writing and submitting grant proposals, 11) researching literature in order to maintain a current knowledge of the field, 12) presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in neuroscience or a closely‐related field;
Experience with neuroscience‐related techniques and methods such as laboratory animal handling and husbandry, stereotaxic surgical procedures on rodents, microinfusion with DREADDs or optogenetics, behavioral testing and analysis in rodents, obtaining brain or other tissues from laboratory rodents, cutting brains on cryostat/microtome, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, microscopy;
Experience with computer software‐based statistical analysis of data;
Experience with the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software; experience with scientific writing.
Desired Qualifications
Excellent interpersonal and laboratory skills;
strong verbal communication skills;
ability to work in a team as well as independently.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter, CV, and two letters of recommendation
Together-we-will Statement
The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/
Review of Applications Begins On
08/17/2022
Summary of Health Risks
Animals
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