UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Department of Neuroscience

Employer: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Worker type: Employee, Regular.

About the role

The Taniguchi Lab investigates how experience-dependent gene expression and epigenetic mechanisms in the brain contribute to long-lasting behavioral plasticity. The postdoctoral scholar will study molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, including DNA hybrid R-loops, chromatin regulation, and transcriptional mechanisms, using molecular, genomic, and behavioral approaches in mouse models.

Responsibilities

• 35% – Conduct molecular and cellular neuroscience experiments, including gene expression analysis, chromatin assays, molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, and development of viral constructs for gene and protein manipulation; perform and optimize experiments using mouse brain tissue and cultured cells.
• 35% – Conduct in vivo neuroscience studies, including mouse behavioral experiments, brain tissue collection, stereotaxic surgery, and molecular or genetic manipulation of specific brain regions; maintain accurate experimental records and troubleshoot experimental procedures.
• 30% – Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare figures, abstracts, manuscripts, and grant applications, and present research findings; collaborate with other investigators and laboratory members and provide guidance and training to junior researchers and students.

Requirements

• 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 walking/mobile (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 hands/arms (continuous).
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows 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 push/pull 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 20/40 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 distance/relationship 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).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's 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.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40.