D230501
Mentor: Dr. Minae Niwa, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology
Postdoctoral Fellow Position in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
The Niwa laboratory (https://niwaorg.com/) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking creative and motivated postdoctoral fellows.
We aim to investigate how psychosocial stress affects behaviors via altered neuronal function and connectivity in the 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 the brain and behavior. By combining mouse behavioral assays, optogenetic/chemogenetic neuronal manipulation, in vivo calcium imaging in freely-behaving mice, in vivo microdialysis, electrophysiology, 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.
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 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, electrophysiology, 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.
This person will perform behavioral assays, circuit mapping, electrophysiology, in vivo microdialysis, and in vivo calcium imaging with a miniature epifluorescence microscope in conjunction with optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulation in the neurobiology and neuroendocrinology of parenting, emotional, motivational, and social behaviors. One of our projects is currently supported by a 5-year R01 research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to understand the role of adolescent stress in postpartum mood and cognition.
Start date: Year-round hiring, depending on individual circumstances. Single-year contract, renewable depending on achievements. We strongly encourage applicants who are willing to stay for at least two years and publish their research results in major journals.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with the NIH and UAB guidelines for Postdoctoral researchers. Coming with fellowship funding is always a plus.
Application process:
Interested individuals should contact Minae Niwa, Ph.D. (
1) Curriculum vitae.
2) A brief summary of research accomplishments including experimental skills, research interests, and career goals.
3) Contact information for at least two references.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Minae Niwa, Ph.D.
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
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.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.