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Postdoctoral Associate position available in Dr. Staci Bilbo’s Developmental Neuroimmunology Lab

The Bilbo lab at Duke University seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to begin ASAP (start date negotiable), for a two year appointment with possibility of contract renewal. The associate will design and run research studies, analyze data, prepare publications, and be a core member of the lab’s intellectual community. We are seeking highly motivated candidates who have experience with cellular, molecular, and/or systems level neuroscience using rodent models.

Broadly, our lab is interested in the area of neuroendocrine-immune interactions and their role in motivated behavior, using laboratory rats and mice as model organisms.  Research projects are aimed at exploring the mechanisms by which innate CNS immune cells, primarily microglia, and their products such as cytokines and chemokines, influence both normal and abnormal brain development, and their implications for neural and behavioral outcomes later in life, including cognition, affect, and addiction.  We use a variety of behavioral, cellular, and molecular techniques; including the use of genetically modified animals and behavioral testing (e.g., learning, memory, anxiety, depression, & addiction); in vivo surgical techniques; ex vivo glial cell cultures; endpoint tissue collection and processing (e.g., flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, Westerns, qPCR); and image analysis (e.g., light and confocal microscopy).

Ideal candidates will be intrinsically motivated, creative, independent, articulate, and deeply engaged in their research. Prior small animal handling experience and cellular and molecular bench work proficiency are required.  Preference will be given to candidates with stereotaxic surgical experience and in vivo chemogenetic manipulation of neural circuits.  Funds for conducting experiments will be available to the fellow, as will the many opportunities for collaboration afforded by the Duke community. There are also significant opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers, from institutions around the world, who collaborate with Dr. Bilbo.  Postdocs will also have the opportunity to help mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

Individuals with a Ph.D. are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.