Postdoctoral Associate

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

4d • $62,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Position Overview: The Khanna lab seeking a skilled Slice Electrophysiologist to join our neuroscience research team focused on chronic pain mechanisms. This role involves conducting spinal cord-level investigations using acute slice preparations to elucidate pain signaling pathways, evaluate novel therapeutic targets, and assess the efficacy of emerging drugs. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented scientist passionate about translational pain research in a collaborative academic or pharmaceutical environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or related field
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with data analysis software and statistical methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals preferred

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain acute spinal cord slices from rodent models of chronic pain (e.g., neuropathic or inflammatory models).
• Perform patch-clamp electrophysiology recordings to investigate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and ion channel function in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons.
• Evaluate novel molecular targets (e.g., ion channels, receptors) and test candidate drugs for their impact on pain-related plasticity and hypersensitivity.
• Analyze electrophysiological data using software such as pCLAMP, Igor Pro, or MATLAB to quantify changes in membrane properties, action potentials, and synaptic currents.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate findings with behavioral, molecular, and imaging studies.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present results at lab meetings and conferences.
• Perform surgical procedures.
• Aid in the supervision of technicians, undergraduate students, and graduate student

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees