UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Department of Neurosciences

Job Duties

• Lead the conception, design, and execution of innovative research projects aligned with the lab’s focus on neuron-glia interactions.
• Develop experimental strategies, perform in vivo imaging and molecular manipulations in zebrafish, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through data collection.
• Analyze complex imaging and molecular datasets using quantitative and computational approaches.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, and presentations for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
• Develop and implement novel experimental tools and techniques, including molecular engineering strategies, imaging approaches, and analytical pipelines, to advance the study of neuron-OPC synapses and activity-dependent myelination.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students and junior lab members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Contribute to team-based projects and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MUSC and beyond.
• Aid in maintaining an organized and compliant laboratory environment, including contributing to protocol development (e.g., IACUC), ensuring adherence to institutional and safety regulations, and supporting general lab operations.

  Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field, with a strong background in cellular or molecular neuroscience, imaging or electrophysiology, molecular biology or genetics, or computational analysis.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests.

  Additional Qualifications (desired, but not required)

  • Prior experience in zebrafish is not required.

  Physical 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 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 (Frequent).
  • 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.