Postdoctoral Associate

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Department of Neurobiology is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our team investigating the neural mechanisms of motor learning and long-term motor memory. In this role, you will work at the intersection of systems neuroscience, neurophysiology, imaging, and computational analysis to uncover how motor cortical circuits support learning and memory.

 

Be You.

You will contribute to cutting-edge research using advanced experimental and analytical approaches, including two-photon imaging, optogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology, and behavioral neuroscience. This is an exciting opportunity to lead innovative projects, collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers, and help advance our understanding of brain function.

 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Biology, or a related field.
• Experience conducting independent research in neuroscience or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with mouse behavioral assays and motor learning paradigms.
• Experience with two-photon microscopy, optogenetics, or in vivo imaging techniques.
• Experience with electrophysiological recording methods, including patch-clamp techniques.
• Programming and data analysis experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

 

Other Requirements: 

• Ability to work with laboratory animals in compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
• Completion of required animal research and laboratory safety training.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects and meet established milestones.

 

This position is. 

• Onsite.

 

Be Bold.                                         

• Design and implement behavioral experiments to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying motor learning and motor memory in mice.
• Establish and optimize all-optical two-photon neurophysiology and optogenetic approaches to examine motor cortical connectivity supporting long-term memory formation.
• Perform in vivo patch-clamp recordings with cell-type specific access to characterize the cellular and circuit mechanisms of learning and memory.
• Develop and apply advanced computational and statistical analysis methods to quantify neural signaling dynamics associated with motor learning.
• Collaborate with faculty, trainees, and research staff to advance the laboratory's scientific mission and contribute to publications, presentations, and grant-funded research.

 

 Choose Duke.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Join a collaborative and innovative research community dedicated to advancing neuroscience through discovery, education, and clinical impact. You will have access to state-of-the-art imaging, computational, and electrophysiological resources while working alongside experts in systems neuroscience, neural circuit function, and motor control.

At Duke, you'll contribute to groundbreaking research that expands our understanding of how the brain learns, adapts, and stores memories while benefiting from a culture that values scientific excellence, collaboration, and professional development.