Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience

About the Job

Position Overview:

In this position, you will be expected to conduct experiments
characterizing limb ataxia in rodent models of spinocerebellar
ataxia, and interrogate the underlying cerebellar physiology
contributing to this ataxia. We work with a cued reaching task to
quantify learned arm movements in mice. You will be expected to
adapt this task to an induced end point error paradigm, and train
healthy and mutant ATXN mice in this task, in order to examine how
cerebellar-dependent adaptation is impacted in spinocerebellar
ataxia. We also perform wide-field calcium imaging of the
cerebellar cortex in awake animals, and you will be expected to
perform simultaneous wide-field calcium imaging and behavioral
monitoring in these same animals.

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 80%

The candidate will develop and implement a rodent induced endpoint
error reaching paradigm, and train healthy and mutant mice to
perform this task. They will also learn to perform stereotactic
surgeries in order to inject mutant mice with vectors to manipulate
ATXN expression, induce calcium or voltage indicator expression,
and implant animals with cerebellar windows for wide-field imaging.
They will obtain high quality wide-field cerebellar imaging data in
rodents performing the cued reaching task, and analyze the datasets
using advanced analytical techniques.

Operations - 10%

The candidate will become familiar with the assigned literature,
attend weekly lab meetings, participate in laboratory journal
clubs, and report to the PI regularly on progress. They will also
assist and eventually independently write study protocols, standard
operating procedures (SOPs) manuscripts and grant
applications.

Presenting and Instruction - 10%

The candidate will present research summary in national and
international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing
abstracts and slides for presentation. They will also instruct and
mentor students, fellows and other inexperienced professional
persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

A PhD in Neuroscience

• Previous laboratory experience with rodents
• Previous experience with rodent models of Spinocerebellar

ataxia

• Experience with genetic manipulations in various rodent models of

spinocerebellar ataxia

• Experience with tools to quantify and analyze rodent behavior

behavior

• Demonstrated record of research accomplishments.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of common histological preparations
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing

About the Department

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence
in research, education, and public service. The Department of
Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School . The Medical School
and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the
Academic Health Center
.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

• Conduct outstanding neuroscience research .
• Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the

University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate,
medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.

• Provide leadership and be a focal point for the

strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing
research, educational, and funding opportunities.

• Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse

perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized
researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.

• Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic

neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving
the health of the people of Minnesota.

• Enhance the understanding and appreciation of

neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,480 to $64,380; depending on
education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional

training

• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling

at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My
Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.