Postdoctoral Fellow in Cellular-Resolution Imaging of Population Codes in Marmosets - Department of Neuroscience

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Duration: 2 years (with potential for extension)
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

About the Role:
As part of a new collaboration, the Kara and Zimmermann laboratories at the University of Minnesota are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a cutting-edge research project focused on cellular-resolution imaging of population codes in the neocortex of marmosets. The successful candidate will apply advanced optical imaging techniques to explore the neural population codes involved in visual processing and decision-making across different cortical regions. This project leverages ultra-wide field three-photon imaging and genetically encoded calcium indicators to visualize and study up to 1 million neurons simultaneously. The goal is to unravel the relationship between these neural codes, blood flow changes in individual vessels, and fMRI voxels.

Key Responsibilities:

Utilize in vivo three-photon optical imaging and other advanced techniques to study large-scale neuronal activity.
Investigate neural population codes and their relation to cortical blood flow and fMRI data.
Analyze complex imaging data using quantitative and computational approaches.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, optical engineers, fMRI researchers, and data scientists.
Present research findings at conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.

For more information about the labs and ongoing research, please visit the Kara Lab (karalab.org) and Zimmermann Lab (https://www.zimmermannlab.com/) websites.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Experience with in vivo optical imaging (two-photon, three-photon) or electrophysiology.
Experience with imaging data analysis and software (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Peer-reviewed publications in systems neuroscience.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
6. Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $74,088 a year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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