The Franks Lab, (https://www.thefrankslab.org/) investigates the function of neural circuits in the mouse olfactory system. Our goal is to understand how these circuits enable a mouse to detect, identify, and discriminate among a vast array of odors. Additionally, we explore how these circuits contribute to the creation, storage, and retrieval of memories associated with specific odors.

We are searching for a Senior Research Scientist to join our team to lead a study examining the role of defined neuronal cell types in distinct odor-guided behaviors. These experiments will involve training mice to perform olfaction-based behavioral experiments, performing cranial surgeries to introduce various viral vectors, conducting in vivo electrophysiology experiments, and analyzing resulting data. In addition to these core duties, the candidate may play a role in shaping experimental designs, setting up and maintaining equipment, and helping write manuscripts and research grants. We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in neuroscience and a keen interest in unraveling the complexities of olfactory neural circuits.

Responsibilities:

1. Neural Recordings: Conduct high-density electrophysiology recordings in mice, often in behaving animals, to collect large-scale neural data. 2. Data Analysis: Utilize quantitative methods to analyze the collected data, ensuring comprehensive insights into the neural processes under investigation. 3. Documentation: Thoroughly document research activities for publication purposes and grant reporting, contributing to the dissemination of our findings. 4. Colony Maintenance: Assist in the maintenance of mouse colonies, ensuring their well-being and the availability of subjects for experiments. 5. Animal Preparation: Prepare animals for recording, which may involve tasks such as viral vector injections, ensuring optimal conditions for data acquisition. 6. Equipment Setup and Maintenance: Set up and maintain behavioral apparatus and data acquisition equipment, contributing to the seamless execution of experiments. 7. Training: Provide training to less experienced lab members in surgical procedures, recording techniques, and best experimental practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field. Special consideration may be given to candidates without a doctoral degree who have a proven track-record of independent, high-level research in neurosciences. Facility with MatLab or Python is essential.

Our ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background, expertise in electrophysiology and quantitative data analysis tools, and a commitment to advancing our understanding of olfactory neural circuits. If you are passionate about neuroscience and possess the required qualifications, come join our collaborative and dynamic research environment.

Previous experience working with a non-human species is a plus.

This is a full time, grant funded position, eligible for all Duke benefits (https://hr.duke.edu/benefits) with an initial appointment of one year with the possibility of renewal, dependent on funding and performance.

Interested individuals should apply through Academic Jobs Online and include their resume, a cover letter and contact information for at least 2 references.

Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. If you are not able to upload your application materials or if letter writers would prefer to upload their letters directly, please complete your application and email those materials to Meghann Koffi at meghann.koffi@duke.edu to be uploaded manually.

For questions about the lab or position, please contact Dr. Jennifer Groh (Depts of Psychology and Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering)

Duke is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

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