Position Overview:
In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct research related to the effects of exogenous opioids on brain function and behavior, using laboratory mice as an experimental system. This includes both non-contigent and contingent forms of opioid exposure, combined with behavioral tests such as conditioned place preference and intravenous self-administration. In terms of brain function, we use neuromodulation methods (including optogenetics and chemogenetics) to study the role of specific brain circuits and cell types in these behavioral responses. 

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 70%
⢠Conduct animal (rat and mouse) handling, husbandry, breeding, colony maintenance, and behavioral testing, including but not limited to conditioned place preference and intravenous self-administration
⢠Inject various compounds and solutions into experimental animals.
⢠Assist with and eventually independently perform surgery and perfusions on experimental animals.
⢠Collect brain tissue samples from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., PCR, immunohistochemistry).
⢠Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions and test for pH level. 
⢠Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data.

Operations - 20%
⢠Keep the laboratory stocked, maintain inventories of supplies, and order items as necessary.
⢠Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of all waste materials in an appropriate manner. 
⢠Maintain chemical inventories and read and maintain appropriate Material Data Sheets and safety files.
⢠Adjust, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on equipment used in the laboratory.
⢠Become familiar with the assigned literature, attend weekly lab meetings, participate in laboratory journal clubs, and report to the PI regularly on progress.
⢠Assist and eventually independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuscripts, and grant applications.

Presenting and Instruction - 10%
⢠Present research summary in national and international meetings in oral and poster format by preparing abstracts and slides for presentation.
⢠Instruct students, fellows, and other inexperienced professional persons in proper laboratory methods and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
⢠A Doctorate Degree (PhD, which is completed within the last 3 years) in relevant scientific fields (neuroscience, psychology, biology)
⢠Previous lab experience
⢠Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science is required to assess observations, prepare specimens, run a variety of behavioral and biological assays, interpret the results of standardized tests, etc.
⢠Sufficient knowledge of the physiology of rats and mice is necessary in order to induce anesthesia, perform surgeries, and collect tissue and/or fluid samples
⢠Must possess or be able to readily obtain certification to perform animal studies and procedures
⢠Sufficient knowledge of mathematics and statistics is required to analyze and interpret test results.
â¢Knowledge and skill sufficient to maintain and operate standard instruments (fluorescence microscopes, pH meters, etc).

Preferred Qualifications:
⢠Prior experience with rodent behavioral pharmacology, especially behavioral responses to opioids
⢠Rudimentary knowledge of common histological preparations to prepare tissues for examination
⢠Experience with manuscript and grant writing

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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