A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine to perform foundational research on the mechanisms of neuronal signaling and circuitry involved in learning/memory, movement, and behavioral reward, and how they are disrupted in neuropsychiatric diseases. The Fisher lab focuses on the role of a negative regulator of G protein signaling named RGS6, originally cloned in the Fisher lab, that is one of 22 genes in humans linked to multiple neuropsychiatric diseases.  We study the role of the RGS6 protein in alcohol use disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.  Our research employs molecular biological, mouse behavioral, optogenetic, and photometric approaches to understand the genetic, signaling, and neuronal circuit contributions of RGS6 to neuronal function and dysfunction in these three conceptual areas.

Responsibilities include the identification and selection of new questions to be addressed, the selection and application of experimental approaches to address these questions and analysis of the results obtained.

Responsibilities:  

• Perform experiments to dissect the functions of RGS6 in normal neuronal function and dysfunction linked to alcohol use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Identify neuronal circuit contributions to behavioral alterations these disorders. Identify novel genes, circuits, or mechanisms underlying observed effects.


• Develop new hypotheses and methods to test them. Anticipate problems and plan alternative strategies. Keep clear and consistent experimental records, including lab notebooks, data and data backups, data notations and logs, etc.


• Manage all or part of the research project, including coordinating among relevant parties, planning experiments, and carrying out primary experiments.


• Analyze data and draw appropriate conclusions.


• Disseminate experimental results through publishing in peer-reviewed journals, attending and presenting results at scientific conferences, and speaking at local seminars.


• Seek out and obtain training opportunities to advance the fellow’s research and career progression.


• Maintain impeccable scientific excellence, rigor, and integrity always.


• Communicate effectively with the lab manager and other lab members. Maintain professional working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.


• Carry out experiments using a range of techniques, from molecular biology to in vivo imaging of neurotransmitter release to behavioral analysis.


• Utilize mouse models to dissect the mechanisms of observed effects in one of the lab’s major research directions.


• Manages the talents, strengths, and behaviors of everyone in a diverse work group, while providing each employee with the opportunity to contribute to the goals of the unit.  Works to assure that all employees are respected and treated consistent with University of Iowa policies regarding equal employment opportunity and diversity.


• Inspires and motivates others to high performance by exercising strong stewardship of university resources, setting expectations, measuring success through individual performance evaluations, and driving organizational results.


• Identifies opportunities for and creates development plans that encourage employees to attend to the growth of their personal and professional capacity; engages self and staff in collective reflection of the University’s greater role in society. 

• Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or a related field, or equivalent degree.

• Practical experience and knowledge of biology and neuroscience. 


• Working knowledge of basic neuroscience approaches, such as behavioral analysis, molecular biology, microscopy. Specific training will be provided.


• Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Ability to work autonomously, problem solve and effectively manage own time/workload to meet project goals with minimal oversight.

• Previous experience with mouse behavioral analysis, optogenetics, fiber photometry.


•  Experience with Matlab, Prism, Illustrator.

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