The Niwa laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (open in January 2019) is seeking a creative and motivated postdoctoral fellow.
We aim to investigate how psychosocial stress affects behaviors via altered neuronal function and connectivity in brain. The ultimate goal of the laboratory’s research is to understand the biological mechanisms by which the endocrine system controls the developmental trajectory of brain and behavior. By combining mouse behavioral assays, in vivo monitoring of neuronal activities in awake mice, optogenetic/chemogenetic modulation of neuronal activities, neural circuit tracing, and epigenetic/gene expression analysis, we plan to unravel the underlying mechanisms from the molecular and cellular to the circuitry and behavioral levels.
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology offers a strong supportive research environment in both laboratory and clinical settings. Research resources are enriched through the Neuroscience community at UAB.
References:
- Niwa M et al. "A critical period of vulnerability to adolescent stress: epigenetic mediators in mesocortical dopaminergic neurons." Hum Mol Genet 2016. 25(7):1370-81.
- Niwa M et al. "Adolescent stress-induced epigenetic control of dopaminergic neurons via glucocorticoids." Science 2013. 339(6117):335-9.
- Niwa M et al. "Knockdown of DISC1 by in utero gene transfer disturbs postnatal dopaminergic maturation in the frontal cortex and leads to adult behavioral deficits." Neuron 2010. 65(4):480-9.
The post-doctoral fellow will be encouraged to develop her/his own research within the overall goal of the laboratory: understanding of neurobiology underlying stress-related disorders. The fellow will also have an opportunity to take part in the highly interactive scientific community at the UAB.
Qualifications:
1) Candidates must have a doctoral level degree (M.D. and/or Ph.D.) in neurobiology, neuroscience, neuropsychophrmacology, biomedical engineering, system biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
2) Preferences will be given to creative and motivated candidates with experience in rodent behavioral assessments, optogenetics, electrophysiological and/or in vivo imaging methods, but highly motivated candidates with alternate experience are also encouraged to apply.
3) The ideal postdoctoral candidate will be dedicated to basic research with strong analytical and communication skills. The fellow is expected to collaborate with colleagues inside and outside the laboratory.
Start date: January 2019 and later.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with UAB and National Institute of Health guidelines for Postdoctoral researchers.
Application process:
Interested individuals should contact Minae Niwa (niwa.research@gmail.com) directly and provide the following documents in sequence in one PDF:
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Minae Niwa, Ph.D.
E-mail: niwa.research@gmail.com
UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.
About UAB:
UAB is a highly collegial and interactive environment. UAB has an active Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE) which provides mentoring and career guidance. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB. A Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards is held annually. UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and family-friendly environment. To learn more about the University of Alabama at Birmingham, please visit http://www.uab.edu/home/about