Post Doc (6)

University of Massachusetts Medical School • Worcester, MA

1d

About The Position

The Alkema laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan Medical School is seeking a motivated, creative postdoctoral fellow to study how nervous systems generate complex behaviors and adapt them to internal and external conditions. The lab uses Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate how neuromodulators and co-transmitters generate behavioral states and transitions, and how gut microbiota and microbial metabolites influence neural function, physiology, and behavior. Research examines how internal state, environmental conditions, and microbial signals are integrated by the nervous system, using genetics, molecular biology, quantitative behavioral analysis, neural imaging, optogenetics, bacterial genetics, and metabolomics.

The successful candidate will have considerable freedom to develop an independent research direction within either research area or at their intersection. The laboratory is described as collaborative and intellectually engaging, with colleagues invested in fellows’ scientific growth. Fellows will be part of the Department of Neurobiology research community and have access to advanced imaging, genomic, metabolomic, and computational resources.

Postdoctoral fellows will participate in manuscript and grant writing. Training and mentorship in grant writing will be provided, and fellows will be encouraged to develop and submit their own fellowship and research proposals. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research background, interests, and reasons for applying; a curriculum vitae including a complete publication list; and contact information for three references. Interested candidates may also contact Dr. Mark Alkema with a CV and a short note about their background and interests.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in neurobiology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Previous peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in neuromodulation, behavior, or microbiome-host communication.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with C. elegans is helpful but not required.
• Applicants with backgrounds in neuroscience, microbiology, microbial genetics, imaging, metabolomics, or quantitative biology are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on neuromodulators and co-transmitters, behavioral states, gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and their effects on neural function, physiology, and behavior.
• Develop an independent research direction within the lab’s research areas or at their intersection.
• Participate in manuscript and grant writing.
• Develop and submit fellowship and research proposals.

What This Job Offers

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