A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Ogundele in the Department of Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Veterinary Medicine. This position focuses on understanding the synaptic mechanisms of learning and memory, and their dysregulation in learning deficits associated with stress or developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. Techniques such as patch clamp recording in ex vivo slices and (or) in vitro neuron cultures will be used for assessing synaptic mechanisms. Additional expertise in calcium imaging, western blotting, PCR, and expansion microscopy is highly desirable. We seek highly motivated, energetic, and passionate researchers to join our team.

Job Responsibilities:

70% - Prepare acute brain slices in mice or rats for patch lamp recording and calcium imaging. Also, to isolate and prepare hippocampal primary neuron cultures for electrophysiology and imaging of dendrites.

20% - Autonomously and collaboratively perform processes involving experimental design and execution that result in presentations of the results in both national and international meetings. Publish and work effectively with others in a collaborative setting, present results at both national and international meetings, and ultimately publish results.

5% - Contribute to lab maintenance, inventory and housekeeping. Train and supervise students.

5% - Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent in biomedical science or related fields (Candidates with non-US degrees will be required to provide proof of degree equivalency at the time of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

1+ years of experience with flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, cell culture, murine tumor models, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Experience with environmental health studies, and additional expertise in calcium imaging, western blotting, PCR, and expansion microscopy is highly desirable. Strong wet lab skills and a strong background in environmental health and cancer biology.

Special and Physical Qualifications:

Safety and Security Sensitive Job - Safety and security-sensitive positions are defined as those positions where any form of substance abuse may affect University activities through unsafe work behavior/performance or error in judgment; or where substance abuse could jeopardize the safety and well-being of employees, other personnel, or the general public, or cause significant damage to University property. This includes positions requiring firearms, access to controlled substances,
handling hazardous material, operating heavy equipment or machinery, etc. These positions are subject to drug screens per PS-67/FASOP HR-04.

Physical Requirements - Required to be cable of lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting or walking for prolonged periods, bending, vision near sight, vision far sight, able to reach above and below the shoulder, twisting, pushing, pulling, grasping, and squatting.