Position Summary

Dr. Masatoshi Inoue’s lab is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Our lab focuses on exploring the neural circuit mechanisms of maladaptive social behaviors. We are dedicated to the development and application of innovative optical technologies aimed at understanding how social behavior is regulated in rodent brain.

Our research targets psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and bipolar disorder, which are significantly linked to challenges in social behaviors. Despite their prevalence, the representation and processing of social information in patients with psychiatric conditions remain largely unclear. We use a suite of cutting-edge techniques, including in vivo multi-photon imaging, fiber photometry, and custom-built behavioral assays to map the neural dynamics of social behavior. Our comprehensive approach maps intricate neural circuits from the cellular level to neural circuits and behavior, thereby uncovering potential pathways for innovative, circuit-inspired therapeutic strategies.

Our lab is deeply committed to the professional development of lab members, providing a supportive environment filled with mentorship and guidance for both research and career progression.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

For more details about our research, please visit our lab's webpage: https://www.mir.wustl.edu/employees/masatoshi-inoue/. 

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Develops proficiency in mouse behavior experimentation, stereotaxic surgery and fluorescent in vivo imaging.
• Collects and processes neuroimaging data with Matlab/Python.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Publishes research findings in reputable scientific journals.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the university.

Working Conditions:

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewh