Post-Doctoral Associate - Electrophysiology

Title: Postdoctoral associate in electrophysiology
Job Code &Class: Postdoctoral Associate
Department: Biomedical Science
Salary Range: $61,008+ dependent on research experience

The Lefevre Laboratory is seeking a motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our research team studying the neural circuitry of opioid addiction. Our lab uses a mouse model of intravenous opioid self-administration combined with ex-vivo slice electrophysiology, in-vivo neuromodulation approaches (chemogenetics and fiber photometry) and transcriptomics.
The postdoc would work on an NIH-funded project investigating synaptic plasticity adaptations in the nucleus accumbens parvalbumin interneurons following intravenous fentanyl self-administration. As this position would primarily involve ex vivo electrophysiology, experience with this technique would be advantageous but is not required. A strong interest and desire to learn slice electrophysiology is necessary. The candidate would work directly with the PI (Emilia Lefevre) for training, and lab members are encouraged to learn new techniques as needed to advance their projects. The PI is committed to providing the strong mentorship and support needed for postdocs to achieve their scientific and professional goals and the lab provides a highly collegial scientific environment. Where applicable, the postdoc will be expected and supported in applying for intramural and extramural funding.
The Lefevre lab is housed in the School of Medicine building at the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Position will remain open until filled.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Research (90%)
* Design, conduct, analyze experiments and report findings to PI. Lead individual projects and contribute to larger team projects.
* Modify, develop and write up new protocols.
* Present research at local and national conferences. Work with the PI to write up research findings for publication.
Train students and laboratory personnel (10%)
* Mentor undergraduate and master's students

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
(Education/Experience must match job class specifications)
* PhD in Neuroscience or closely related field. PhD candidates expecting to graduate within the next 6 months are also eligible to apply.
* A scientific track record demonstrated by first author paper(s) published or accepted in a well-recognized journal.
Preferred
* Prior experience working with opioid mouse models, or intravenous self-administration paradigms is ideal.
* Experience with ex-vivo slice electrophysiology is desirable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* PhD in Neuroscience or closely related field. PhD candidates expecting to graduate within the next 6 months are also eligible to apply.
* A scientific track record demonstrated by first author paper(s) published or accepted in a well-recognized journal.

Preferred
* Prior experience working with opioid mouse models, or intravenous self-administration paradigms is ideal.
* Experience with ex-vivo slice electrophysiology is desirable.

One School. Two Campuses.
The Mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School is to be a leader in enhancing the health of people through the education of skilled, compassionate and socially responsible physicians. With two campuses serving diverse populations in rural and urban Minnesota, the Medical School is dedicated to preeminent primary care medicine, exemplary specialty care and innovative research.
In addition to the overall Mission, the Duluth campus has a unique focus on rural and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health and family medicine with a mission to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and AI/AN communities. This is done by educating medical students dedicated to serving rural Minnesota and AI/AN communities, fostering excellence in research, emphasizing the training of physicians in family medicine, creating strong partnerships locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and working in diverse, innovative, interdisciplinary, and inter-professional teams.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please submit a cover letter describing research experience and goals, a CV and the names and contact information for three references.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).