Postdoctoral Scholar - Anatomy and Neurobiology

A postdoctoral scholar position is available in the lab of Dr. Lynn Dobrunz in the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), to conduct research on neuromodulation by Neuropeptide Y in rodent models of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and of Alzheimer's Disease. Through a combination of electrophysiological, optogenetic, behavioral, and in vivo imaging (fiber photometry) experiments, the lab explores how NPY modulates synaptic plasticity and how its function is impaired by trauma; with heavy emphasis on slice electrophysiology. Transgenic mice or rats will be used for all experiments.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D. with research experience in neuroscience or a related discipline, and preferably at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Applicants must have experience in at least two or more of the following areas: slice electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, behavioral tasks related to anxiety, histology techniques, intracranial injections with viral vectors, and data analysis. The applicant should have excellent communication skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as necessary.

Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is the flagship statewide, public, academic health institution in Tennessee. Founded in 1911, the mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science is to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans and the global community by fostering integrated, collaborative, and inclusive education, research, scientific discovery, clinical care, and public service. Employing more than 4,600 people on its faculty, staff, and not-for-profit corporation faculty practice groups, and with more than 3,200 students across the state, UTHSC contributes $4 billion to the economy of Tennessee.

Part of the University of Tennessee System, the Health Science Center is headquartered in Memphis and includes all six of UT’s doctoral-degree-granting health science colleges - Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Graduate Health Sciences, and Health Professions. UTHSC spans the state with its four major, regional clinical health science locations in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville, as well as more than 100 clinical education sites across Tennessee. UTHSC is the largest educator of health care professionals in the state and operates the state’s largest residency and fellowship advanced training programs.

Located in West Tennessee on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is the second-largest city in the state and among the largest cities in the Southeast. The Greater Memphis metropolitan area has more than 1.3 million residents, and the city ranks among those with the lowest cost of living in the country. It is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, a revitalized Downtown, the Midtown Arts District, many scenic neighborhoods, an active medical district, and a burgeoning airport in the midst of a $214 million modernization.

Memphis boasts attractions, including Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Memphis Grizzlies, historic Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the second-largest urban county park in the United States, and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.