Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title
Postdoctoral Associate

Job Category
Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)

Department
Brain Health Institute

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Brain Health Institute (BHI) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS).

The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to work on research project investigating the neural mechanisms of sensory perception, learning, and decision-making. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art behavioral, neurophysiological, circuit, and computational approaches to examine neural activity in awake-behaving rodents performing auditory and audiovisual tasks. These approaches include high-channel count silicon-probe electrophysiology, optogenetics and opto-tagging, viral circuit tools, anatomical tract tracing, immunohistochemistry and imaging, and quantitative analysis of behavioral and neural data. The Postdoctoral Associate will perform research on cortical and downstream circuit mechanisms that support sensory-guided behavior using psychophysical training, in vivo multichannel recordings, circuit perturbations, histological validation, and computational analysis.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Trains and tests rodents (gerbils) on auditory and audiovisual psychophysical tasks to assess auditory perception, learning, and decision-making.
• Performs anatomical tract tracing, AAV-based labeling, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and analyses of the neural circuits involved in auditory processing and decision-making.
• Performs stereotaxic surgical procedures, including craniotomies, implants, viral injections, and related recovery and animal care procedures.
• Performs high-channel-count in vivo electrophysiological recordings in awake-behaving animals, including silicon probe and optogenetic/opto-tagging approaches.
• Performs research using viral transfection and circuit manipulation techniques, including optogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), as appropriate to the project.
• Develops and applies computational workflows for electrophysiology, imaging, and behavioral data analysis using Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/FIJI, DeepLabCut, or related tools.
• Maintains accurate records of experimentation, animal procedures, data analysis, and research progress.
• Analyzes, organizes, and presents data at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and major scientific meetings; contributes to manuscript and grant preparation.

FLSA
Exempt

Grade

Salary Details

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

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

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biological Sciences, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, or a relevant field required.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Peer-reviewed publications and strong training in one or more of the following areas are strongly preferred: in vivo electrophysiology in awake animals; multichannel silicon-probe recordings; optogenetics/opto-tagging; stereotaxic surgery and AAV viral delivery; quantitative behavioral training and analysis; histology/immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging; and computational analysis of neural, imaging, or behavioral data using Python, MATLAB, or related platforms.
• Experience with animal psychophysics, cortical circuit analysis, and mentoring trainees is desirable.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Sitting, standing, walking, fine motor work under a microscope, and occasional lifting of small packages, equipment, or animal carriers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT;

Scientific research laboratory. Universal safety precautions are mandatory.

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number
26ST1257

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.