Postdoctoral Research Associate - McLaughlin lab
About The Position
The Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience (IPN) at Washington State University (WSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Cannabis, Brain, & Development (CBD) Lab, under Dr. Ryan McLaughlin. This role will utilize a multidisciplinary approach with rats to investigate the long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on corticostriatal circuit function and cognitive flexibility. Responsibilities include conducting behavioral neuroscience experiments such as vapor self-administration and operant conditioning tasks (attentional set-shifting and reversal learning), performing stereotaxic surgeries, viral (AAV) injections, and optic fiber implants for fiber photometry recordings. The position also involves managing a rodent breeding colony and demonstrating leadership by mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Requirements
- An earned PhD in Neuroscience or other relevant discipline.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- A record of accomplishments.
- Less than five years of research experience since earning their doctoral degree.
- Leadership skills and an interest in mentoring students.
Nice To Haves
- Background in developmental neurobiology.
- Background in cannabinoid pharmacology.
- Experience in in vivo calcium imaging (fiber photometry).
- Experience or a strong desire to learn ex vivo electrophysiology.
Responsibilities
- Conduct behavioral neuroscience experiments, including vapor self-administration and operant conditioning tasks (attentional set-shifting and reversal learning).
- Perform stereotaxic surgeries, viral (AAV) injections, and optic fiber implants for fiber photometry recordings.
- Manage a rodent breeding colony.
- Demonstrate leadership within the lab, including mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Benefits
- Paid sick and vacation leave
- Paid holidays
- Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
- Retirement
- Deferred compensation
- Optional supplemental retirement accounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
