UNIV - Postdoc - Department of Neurosciences

Job Description Summary

The Gowrishankar Lab at the Department of Neuroscience Medical University of South Carolina is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have recently obtained or are about to obtain a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields to learn new skills and concepts, apply their existing experience in new research topics, and contribute to new discoveries in the field of systems neuroscience.

The Gowrishankar lab endeavors to uncover the neurobiological basis of motivated behaviors and how these basic mechanisms go awry in mouse models of substance use disorders, major depressive disorders, and chronic pain. The lab utilizes a variety of systems neuroscience techniques, including anatomical tracing, in situ hybridization, opto- and chemo-genetics, in vivo fiber photometry, and in vivo two-photon imaging.

Prior experience in mouse handling, a demonstrated track record of publications and/or preprints, is required. Experience in in vivo imaging methodologies and substance use models is desired. For more details on the Gowrishankar Labs research and vision, please visit https://www.raajgowrishankarlab.org.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal individual for this position is an organized, detail-oriented, and intrinsically motivated person with a comprehensive knowledge of neuroscience fundamentals, systems neuroscience research techniques, and demonstrated track record in publishing research related to the labs interests. They will be able to learn new research skills, apply existing skills on new research topics, provide experimental assistance, contribute to the development and writing of research grants, contribute to research manuscripts, and work well within a team.

Training will be provided by the PI, Dr. Raaj Gowrishankar, on all aspects of the job description. This position is perfect for a recent graduate with a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related disciplines or for those about to obtain their Ph.D. in neuroscience to gain additional research experience before moving on to graduate or medical school.

Job Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will learn and perform intracranial mouse surgeries for opto-chemo-genetics, anatomical tracing, gene manipulation, fiber photometry, and two-photon imaging experiments. They will also learn and conduct behavioral experimental procedures on these mice, including but not limited to:

• Mouse operant self-administration studies • Mouse operant drug-self administration studies • Mouse behavioral assays to study the impact of chronic pain and depressive-like behavior

The ideal candidate will also learn and assist in the analysis of the data collected from these procedures using computational and statistical analyses in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.

Grant Writing

The ideal candidate will be expected to apply for intra- and extramural funding at all stages of their career and assist in writing grants with the PI for laboratory funding.

Animal Husbandry

The ideal candidate will assist in providing basic husbandry care for animals that are breeding and part of their own experimental studies. They will also assist in monitoring and maintaining mouse lines to facilitate their experimental studies.

Wet Lab Procedures with Tissue

The ideal candidate will learn and perform brain extractions and tissue collection. They will use this tissue to learn and perform a variety of ex-vivo techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields obtained on or before July 31, 2026
• Experience with mouse handling is a requirement
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Comprehensive knowledge of biomedical research techniques and neuroscience core concepts
• Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics related to the labs research interests

Additional Qualifications

• Desired but not required:
• Experience in systems neuroscience techniques, such as in vivo fiber photometry and in vivo two-photon imaging
• Experience with substance use disorder animal models
• Experience with computational and statistical methods in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python

Physical Requirements

Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section:

• Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift
• Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift
• Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Continuous Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Continuous Ability to perform job functions while walkingmobile.
• Frequent Ability to climb stairs.
• Infrequent Ability to work indoors.
• Continuous Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes i.e. spot coolers.
• Frequent Ability to bend at the waist.
• Frequent Ability to twist at the waist.
• Frequent Ability to perform pinching operations.
• Continuous Ability to fully use both handsarms.
• Continuous Ability to perform repetitive motions with handswristselbows and shoulders.
• Continuous Ability to fully use both legs.
• Continuous Ability to reach in all directions.
• Continuous Possess good finger dexterity.
• Continuous Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Continuous Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Continuous Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs. unassisted.
• Frequent Ability to lift objects up to 15 lbs. from floor level to height of 72 inches unassisted.
• Frequent Ability to lower objects up to 15 lbs. from height of 72 inches to floor level unassisted.
• Frequent Ability to pushpull objects up to 15 lbs. unassisted.
• Infrequent Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five 5 floors and to outlying buildings.
• Frequent Ability to maintain 2040 vision corrected.
• Continuous Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Continuous Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Continuous Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Continuous Ability to determine distancerelationship between objects depth perception.
• Continuous Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Continuous Ability to maintain hearing acuity with correction.
• Continuous Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Continuous Ability to be qualified physically by medical personnel for respirator use initially and annually.
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas such as darkrooms.
• Frequent Additional New Requirements:
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes tools and equipment as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees