Post Doc Res Assoc - School of Pharmacy

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives. 

JOB TITLE:                       

Post Doctoral Research Associate

JOB PURPOSE:

The Alex French Lab in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wyoming is seeking a motivated, adaptable postdoctoral research associate to join our new team. 

The French Lab studies the effects of psychedelics and alcohol on the brain. We have a particular interest in understanding how psychedelics and their analogues might reverse the neurobiological changes that occur with persistent alcohol consumption. Our work integrates a wide range of techniques including protein engineering, high-throughput cell-based drug screening, cell and tissue microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, electrocorticography, and mouse behavioral assays. As such, our work is very interdisciplinary, combining elements of biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. More information may be found at https://www.frenchlab.org/. 

This postdoc will primarily lead projects studying the effects of 5HT2A receptor activation on alcohol consumption behavior, developing and running high-throughput cell-based drug screens, and/or developing novel genetic mouse models depending on qualifications and interests. The postdoc will also support projects through helping with animal colony management including mouse husbandry and breeding, molecular biology/cloning, electrophysiology, and mouse behavioral work. This postdoc will receive training in relevant techniques as well as data analysis and will aid in drafting manuscripts of their results. This postdoc will also help train junior members of the lab. 

Dr. French is a committed mentor dedicated to advancing the careers and scientific/professional ambitions of his team members. While every lab member takes initiative and leads their own work, they do so in a highly collaborative and supportive environment. Postdoctoral trainees may have opportunities to travel to present their findings.

About the area: people often move to Laramie for work but stay because it is a fantastic place to live. Laramie is a beautiful walkable/bikeable city with amazing and diverse restaurants, an adorable downtown, and is filled with the friendliest people on earth. Close access to amazing outdoor adventures such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, & rock climbing also make Laramie an excellent place for people who enjoy being out in nature. Laramie is also appreciated for its low cost-of-living, excellent public schools, low crime, parks, and family-friendly recreation center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Conducting research, analyzing data, and designing experiments independently.
2. Helping with mouse colony and breeding program management.
3. Writing projects and scholarly publications.
4. Training junior lab members.
5. Following written protocols and carrying out procedures independently (following training). 

COMPETENCIES:  

• Ability to learn
• Adaptability
• Attention to detail
• Initiative
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Technical/professional knowledge
• Teamwork (cooperation)

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or related field (at the time of employment).
• Experience analyzing and communicating quantitative data as evidenced by publications and presentations at external conferences. For applicants still finishing their Ph.D. work, preprint articles are acceptable, with the understanding that they will complete the peer-review process. 
• At least 4 years of wet lab experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Prior experience in or familiarity with one or more of the following technical areas:
  • Rodent behavioral models, surgery, injection, handling, and husbandry.
  • Biochemical and molecular biological techniques including but not limited to: mutagenesis, protein expression, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation and purification.
  • Mammalian cell culture.
  • Fluorescence or bioluminescence microscopy.
  • Electrophysiological techniques such as whole-cell patch-clamp or electrocorticography.
  • Proper application of statistical methods toward evaluating data.