Postdoctoral Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Job Category Staff & Executive - Research Support (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory) Department RBHS Overview

New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.

Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.

Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.

Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine (CABM) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS).

The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to join an exciting neuroscience project developing and utilizing new optical and molecular tools to study neural circuits. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Ian Oldenburg, the Postdoctoral Associate will investigate of the role of neural activity in guiding and initiating motor actions.

The Oldenburg Lab uses and develops advanced microscopy techniques, including multiphoton holographic optogenetics and calcium imaging in awake head fixed mice, to understand how groups of neurons work together to enact motor actions. Neural activity is complex and high dimensional with some activity patterns being associated with movements and others not. By using our novel techniques, that can drive precise patterns of activity distributed across many neurons, we can test different theories of the 'population code', gaining a causal understanding of how population activity drives actions. The postdoc will work with the PI to develop an independent project, that leverages the expertise of the lab and the skills and interests of the postdoc. In addition to multiphoton imaging and multiphoton optogenetics, projects may also involve animal training, electrical and optical engineering, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and/or computational analyses.The postdoc will have the opportunity to guide the research of an undergraduate research assistant, if desired. Mentorship is a core mission of the Oldenburg Lab. All members of the lab are expected to be helpful and supportive of each other. The PI will endeavor to do what he can to help each member succeed, both within the lab and when they eventually move on. As such, every member of the lab is encouraged to explore that which interests them and to share their specific expertise. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to attend scientific conferences and learn appropriate scientific methods and procedures.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Carry out multiphoton optogenetic manipulation and imaging of neural activity in head-fixed rodents.
• Conduct rodent surgeries, rodent training, computational analyses, and other procedures necessary for the advancement of the project.
• Participate in the configuration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including computers, necessary for conduct of the project.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the preparation of research grant and fellowship applications.
• Supervise and guide the research project of an undergraduate research assistant.

FLSA Exempt Grade Salary Details A minimum of $63,968 for calendar year appointments Minimum Salary 20,000 Mid Range Salary 90,000 Maximum Salary 200,000 Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status Full Time Working Hours Standard Hours 37.50 Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description Post Docs - Regular Salaried Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Optical Physics/Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related science is required. Ph.D. Candidates who meet requirements with All But Degree (ABD) will be considered.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Prior experience and productivity in research must be demonstrated.
• Experience is required with modern analytical neuroscience techniques.
• The candidate is expected to be proficient in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with optics, in vivo imaging, mouse genetics, electrophysiology, molecular biology, and computational analyses is preferred.
• Previous mentoring experience is desirable.

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations including pipetting and use of microscopes. Lifting up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:Lab environment. Universal precautions are mandatory.

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number 26ST1896 Posting Open Date Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Home Location Campus Piscataway (RBHS) City Piscataway State NJ Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have experience with modern analytical neuroscience techniques?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Optical Physics/Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related science (Ph.D. candidates in All-But-Degree (ABD) status will also be considered)?

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application