Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

6h

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Yan Dong at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for a first-year postdoctoral fellow to study astrocyte-mediated regulation of synaptic transmission and circuit dynamics in ordent models of psychiatric disorders. The postdoctoral fellow will lead a project aiming to understand how reward/drug experience influences astrocytic signaling to redefine synaptic connectivity and neuronal ensembles. There are three categories of research techniques routinely used in these studies: i) Animal work, including small animal (rats or mice) surgeries, operant behavioral tests (e.g., self-administration of sucrose or drugs of abuse), stereotaxic delivery of vectors into specific brain regions, and optogenetically manipulating brain functions in behaving animals; ii) Electrophysiology, including measuring synaptic and membrane activity in brain slices, and dissecting individual brain circuits using optogenetic approaches; and iii) In vivo imaging: including imaging dendritic spines and ensemble activities in behaving rodents. Candidates are expected to be experienced in all these categories of techniques. Must have Ph.D in Neuroscience. Position is for one year, starting June 1, 2026, with possible renewal.
To learn more about the research in Dr. Dong's Laboratory, please visit https://www.neuroscience.pitt.edu/people/yan-dong-phd
Please submit your CV to [email protected] if interested.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Experienced in animal work, including small animal (rats or mice) surgeries, operant behavioral tests (e.g., self-administration of sucrose or drugs of abuse), stereotaxic delivery of vectors into specific brain regions, and optogenetically manipulating brain functions in behaving animals
• Experienced in electrophysiology, including measuring synaptic and membrane activity in brain slices, and dissecting individual brain circuits using optogenetic approaches
• Experienced in in vivo imaging: including imaging dendritic spines and ensemble activities in behaving rodents
• Must have Ph.D in Neuroscience

Responsibilities

• Lead a project aiming to understand how reward/drug experience influences astrocytic signaling to redefine synaptic connectivity and neuronal ensembles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree