Postdoctoral Associate (Sensory Neuroscience Research)

The University of Miami is among the top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation, and one of the largest private employers in South Florida.

With more than 16,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

The University is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to add value. Through values of Diversity, Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, and Teamwork (DIRECCT) the U community works together to create an environment driven by purpose, excellence, community, and service.

About This Position

Join a vibrant research program in sensory neuroscience.  This position is funded from a new NIH-grant to continue long-term NIH-supported projects in the laboratory of Dr. Nirupa Chaudhari in the Dept. of Physiology & Biophysics (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/nirupa.chaudhari.1/bibliography/40727915/public/? )

Using single cell RNAseq, we defined a detailed molecular taxonomy for taste afferent neurons (Nat Commun. 2017; 8(1):760). Using transgenic and viral labeling, we are defining the peripheral and central targets of molecularly identified gustatory neurons, and their respective neural pathways. Using in vivo confocal Ca2+ imaging (Nat Commun. 2015; 6:8171; J Physiol. 2019; 597:2045), we are defining their functional features,  particularly their patterns of stimulus-evoked responses. Our broad goals are to address long-standing questions about connectivity, coding, multi-modality and their intersection with nutrition, appetite regulation and metabolism (Nat Rev Neurosci. 2017; 18:485).

The successful candidate will have: (1) a recent PhD in molecular neuroscience, neurophysiology, or related discipline, (2) research experience in neuroscience-related experimental approaches including cellular imaging /electrophysiology and/or neuronal transcriptomics and connectomics, (3) evidence of stage-appropriate, strong research productivity.  The Postdoc will collaborate with Principal Investigators to plan experiments, conduct analyses, interpret results and write abstracts, posters and manuscripts. Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions. There will be ample opportunities for developing methods and independent projects research goals including building collaborations with team members and beyond. The Postdoc will build skills in preparing grant proposals and other aspects of an academic career.

Interested applicants should email Nirupa Chaudhari ([email protected] ) with a statement of research interests, a CV,  and names of three references.

#LN-AL1

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida’s only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We’re the challenge you’ve been looking for.

Patient safety is a top priority. As a result, during the Influenza (“the flu”) season (September through April), the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine requires all employees who provide ongoing services to patients, work in a location (all Hospitals and clinics) where patient care is provided, or work in patient care or clinical care areas, to have an annual influenza vaccination. Failure to meet this requirement will result in rescinding or termination of employment.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

r5