Postdoctoral Research Associate – Neuroscience

Job Description

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate position open in the Bagnall Lab (Neuroscience) – Research in vestibular and spinal circuits of the larval zebrafish.

The Bagnall lab is looking to recruit one to two postdoctoral researchers for the study of sensory-motor circuits.

Our goal is to define the circuit maps and dynamic properties that underlie locomotion and posture. The lab uses a combination of techniques in larval zebrafish, including electrophysiology, behavior, computational modeling, serial-section electron microscopy, and genetics.

Recent publications have described organization in the longitudinal axis of the spinal cord; a set of spinal neurons that functions as brakes on locomotion; and the synaptic computations underlying simple versus complex central vestibular responses.

The PI is committed to mentoring and to nurturing a creative, thoughtful and collaborative lab culture. The laboratory is in an academic setting in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, an internationally recognized research institution consistently ranked among the top five medical schools in the country. The extreme collegiality of Washington University combined with the large Neuroscience Community and extensive infrastructural and core facility support creates a dynamic research environment in many areas of basic and clinical science.

In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at Prospective Postdocs .

For additional information about the Bagnall lab, please visit our website .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor, including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which should lead to a first author publication.
• Develops expertise in the study of sensory-motor circuits.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments. Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Maintains conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice, including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Maintains collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.  All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or an equivalent terminal or doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.  The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested candidates should send a cover letter describing their interests and the names of two to three references to Dr. Martha Bagnall at bagnall@wustl.edu .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.