Postdoctoral positions in neurobiology of motivated behaviors

Two postdoctoral researcher positions are immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaobing Zhang in the Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience at Florida State University (FSU). The Zhang lab is mainly interested in neural circuits that regulate motivated behaviors. We use cutting-edge technologies and behavioral paradigms to understand how the brain controls energy balance and dissect neural circuits for feeding motivation as well as neural dysfunctions causing obesity and eating disorders (Nat Neuroscience 2016; Science 2017; Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; J. Neuroscience 2022; Molecular Metabolism 2022). Currently, the lab is funded by two newly awarded R01 grants that are focused on novel neural circuits for feeding motivation. To learn more about our research, please read our recent publications: https://zhanglab.neuro.fsu.edu/publications

The ideal candidates will be recent PhD in Neuroscience or a related discipline. A record of excellence and productivity in research, and the ability to lead work independently is required. Experience in stereotactic rodent brain surgery, regular behavioral tests, slice patch-clamp recording, and in vivo fiber photometry and single-neuron imaging is preferred but not required. We strongly encourage candidates with experience in studying the neurobiology of emotion and motivation to apply for the positions.

FSU Program of Neuroscience provides a very collaborative and collegial environment for studying feeding and other motivated behaviors. The successful applicant will join our collaborative team to employ traditional electrophysiology and start-of-the-art tools such as in-vivo single-cell imaging and fiber photometry, optogenetics, and chemogenetics for our research goal. The highly motivated postdoc will also have opportunities to pursue follow-on/early career funding based on current projects or other ongoing research initiatives.

The positions will be supported by our newly funded NIH R01 grants. The salary will be competitive based on the NIH guideline for postdoctoral fellows and the candidate’s experience. To apply, interested applicants should send their cover letter including research experience and interests, CV, and 2-3 references to Dr. Xiaobing Zhang via email: xzhang@psy.fsu.edu. We would like to fill these positions before June 2023.

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