Assistant Research Professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology

Position Summary

Dr. Sheet’s Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) in Indianapolis is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Research Professor for Pharmacology & Toxicology. The candidate will conduct basic research in the neurobiology of pain, specifically investigating the role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dynorphin-expressing circuits in the modulation of surgical and neuropathic pain states, in support of the NIH HEAL Initiative–funded project “Dissecting the role of mPFC dynorphin circuits in the modulation of different pain states” (1UF1NS132920).

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic research in the neurobiology of pain, specifically investigating the role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dynorphin-expressing circuits in the modulation of surgical and neuropathic pain states.
• Design and perform experiments using appropriate methodologies, including slice and in-vivo electrophysiology, glutamate uncaging/laser-scanning photo stimulation, optogenetics, chemo genetics, fiber photometry and single-cell calcium imaging, stereotaxic surgery, viral and retrograde tracing approaches, and sensory and affective pain behavioral assays.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, presenting findings at national and international scientific meetings, and contributing to the preparation of research reports and grant materials.
• Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff and perform other services to implement the research objectives of the laboratory, the department and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree) in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related biomedical discipline is the standard minimum requirement for an Assistant Research Professor position at Indiana University School of Medicine.
• The position additionally requires postdoctoral research training and demonstrated expertise in systems neuroscience, including in-vivo and ex-vivo electrophysiology, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, in-vivo imaging, and rodent behavioral methods.

Department Contact for Questions

Maritza McCabe @ mccama@iu.edu