Postdoctoral Position in Analysis of Brain-Body Networks - Systems Neuroscience

Postdoctoral Fellow/Scientific Researcher position in Analysis of Brain-Body Networks are available in the Strick Lab in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh.

These position will support a research effort designed to reveal the neural basis of the Brain-Body Connection. This circuitry enables motor, cognitive and affective processing to have a major impact on the function of internal organs such as the stomach, heart and spleen.  Inappropriate signals in these networks are thought to contribute to the generation of some prevalent medical illnesses, and to cause "functional" or psychosomatic disorders.

The Brain-Body Connection is based on chains of synaptically-connected neurons. No conventional neuroanatomical tracer is capable of revealing these multi-synaptic circuits.  Therefore, we will use retrograde transneuronal transport of rabies virus to define the complex networks that are responsible for the top-down influence of the central nervous system on the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and immune systems.

We are seeking individuals with:

1. A Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, biology, or other neuroscience-related disciplines.
2. Experience in the procedures of experimental neuroanatomy in rodents and/or non-human primates.
3. One or more first-author publications in an international, peer-reviewed neuroscience journal.
4. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

The ideal candidate should have strong problem-solving skills and a solid work ethic, as well as excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently.

The postdoctoral position are for one or more years with renewal depending on continued funding and satisfactory performance. Projects in the Strick Lab are supported by ongoing federal grants and endowments that create a stable research environment.

Applicants should send the following via email to Dr. Peter L. Strick (strickp@pitt.edu):

1. A cover letter outlining a statement of research interests, research accomplishments and career goals.
2. A curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three references, including mailing address, phone number and email.

The University of Pittsburgh is strongly committed to a diverse academic environment and places high priority on attracting female and underrepresented minority candidates. We strongly encourage candidates from these groups to apply for the position.

The University affirms and actively promotes the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected class.

About University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh ranks third in total NIH funding among U.S. universities and is a world leader in basic and translational neuroscience research. The Strick Lab focuses on 4 major topics: (i) the motor areas of the cerebral cortex - their involvement in movement generation and control, as well as in motor skill acquisition and retention; (ii) the motor, cognitive and affective functions of the basal ganglia and cerebellum; (iii) the neural basis for the brain-body connection; and (iv) unraveling the complex neural networks that comprise the central nervous system. Dr. Strick is Thomas Detre Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurobiology in Pitt's School of Medicine. He is the founding Scientific Director of the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, which includes more than 150 neuroscientists. In addition, Dr. Strick heads the national Center for Neuroanatomy with Neurotropic Viruses, the Center for Neuroscience Research in Non-Human Primates, and the Systems Neuroscience Center, all at Pitt.