FLSA: Salaried

Payscale Salary Range: UNIV-Band 0: Commensurate with experience.

Job Summary: The Smith Lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina is recruiting a
Postdoctoral Fellow. Our lab studies the neurobiology of addiction using models of drug dependence and relapse in both rats and mice (primarily the cue-induced reinstatement model). The vast majority of prior addiction research in the has focused on a very limited number of brain structures, primarily the mesocorticolimbic and corticostriatal, and extended amygdala circuitries. The over-arching hypothesis of the lab is that high-throughput methods that are able to examine the entire brain without a priori determination of regions of interest are necessary for development of new therapeutics. We will use brain clearing and light-sheet microscopy, singlenuclei sequencing, opto/chemo-genetics, and small molecule pharmacology to identify novel brain structures, cell types/circuits, and molecules that contribute to addictive behaviors.

Job Duties:

• 30% - Conducting behavioral experiments in rats and mice (including intracranial & intravenous surgeries): We will primarily use the cued reinstatement model of self-administration, but will also use other assays like conditioned place preference, open field, real-time place preference, etc. We will use techniques such as chemogenetics, optogenetics, small molecule pharmacology, and behavioral genetics to identify cells, circuits, and molecules that underlie addictive-like behaviors. The ultimate goal of the lab is to translate these findings into new therapeutics for substance use disorders. - (Essential)
• 30% - Wet-lab biochemical techniques such as western-blotting, RT-PCR, RNA-Sequencing, RNAscope etc: These techniques will be the primary endpoint for tissue collected following behavioral experiments listed above. We will use single-nuclei RNA-sequencing for high-throughput identification of transcripts that may underlie addictive-like behaviors (e.g. cued reinstatement), followed by validation via RNAscope and/or RT-PCR, and as projects move forward we will use these techniques to identify biochemical signaling mechanisms underlying reinstatement or other addictive behaviors. - (Essential)
• 15% - Tissue clearing, whole-brain immunostaining, and light-sheet microscopy: We use organic solvent-based lipid clearing techniques adapted from iDISCO to delipidate brains. These techniques allow visualization and quantification of protein expression, or virally-labeled neurocircuitry throughout the entire brain. - (Essential)
• 15% - Data analysis: The applicant will be expected to perform first analyses on most experimental data that can be analyzed in commercially available software such as Prism. For complex datasets such as singlenuclei RNA-sequencing or light-sheet imaging, the PI will provide training in all analysis techniques. Python experience is strongly desired, but we will provide training in this area - (Essential)
• 10% - Writing and/or presenting results: The PI will provide training in grantsmanship and the applicant will be expected to apply for external funding. The applicant will be expected to submit abstracts and attend at least one conference per year, as well as writing first drafts of any manuscripts for publication. - (Essential)

Preferred Experience & Additional Skills: The individual should have a Ph.D. or other doctorate degree in neuroscience, or a related biomedical science (e.g., pharmacology or physiology). Experience working with rats and/or mice is highly desired, as is basic knowledge of neuroanatomy, biochemistry, and genetics. Experience using Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis is a plus, but an interest in computational methods for analyzing large datasets, and willingness to learn are sufficient. Surgical techniques will require fine motor skills, and behavioral experiments necessitate the ability to calmly handle rodents. The individual should be receptive to taking direction from others and be comfortable working as a team. The individual should be independently motivated with a strong work ethic with minimal supervision from the PI and colleagues.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32? F to 100? F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/20 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually. (Continuous)