The McHenry Lab at Duke University, located within the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, is recruiting an Associate in Research to work on a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The major goal of the project is to use a combination of modern circuit neuroscience technologies to establish neural circuits for diverse social and homeostatic states. The lab uses a combination of circuit-based strategies and custom engineered designs to investigate how social and non-social salient information is encoded in neural circuits that regulate motivational and emotional states. The lab uses many state-of-the-art techniques, including deep-brain calcium imaging (2-photon in vivo microscopy) with single-cell resolution and optogenetics, to monitor and manipulate the activity of neurons with anatomical and molecular precision, in awake behaving mice. Collectively, these studies will provide insights into social and motivational processes that are disrupted across a range of conditions, such as major depression and autism spectrum disorders. 

The candidate must have a B.S. degree in a science related discipline and experience using basic research and animal models, preferably rodents. The ideal candidate will have a strong background and experience in the field of neuroscience and behavior in rodent models, such as social behavior, mood disorder models, or equivalent. The candidate should also have proficiency in some surgical neural targeting method. 

The applicant must be detail-oriented, able to work independently in the day-to-day of the studies, proactive, well-organized, and dedicated. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a strong commitment to research and scientific ethics, and a positive solution-oriented approach are required for this team-based environment. The candidate must be able to work independently on their main research projects, meet deliverables on time and with high research standards. The candidate will be responsible for executing the research data collection, analysis, and preparation of data for dissemination in manuscripts and presentations. 

This appointment allows for many technical, analytical, and professional career development opportunities. In addition, the candidate will have a broad range of local and national networking opportunities within Duke and in the broader scientific community. 

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. The approximate start date of the position is May, 2026 (negotiable). 

Applicants should upload a statement of research interests, a CV, and contact information for three references through Academic Jobs Online. Only applicants that have applied through Academic Jobs Online will be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are not able to upload your application materials, please complete your application and email those materials to Meghann Koffi, HR Specialist, at meghann.koffi@duke.edu to be uploaded manually.