Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

The Center for Brain Function and Repair at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science invites applications for a NIH funded Postdoc position in the Laboratory of Dr. EunJung Hwang. The Postdoc will work on the ongoing NIH-funded project investigating the neural mechanisms of decision making in rodent models, using a variety of techniques including in vivo two-photon neural imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, behavioral modeling, and anatomical tracing.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes an 8% employer contribution after two years of service. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. Full-time staff members are eligible for three weeks of vacation, 15 sick days, and 13 holidays plus two floating holidays. That is a minimum of 30 paid days off each year!

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

As part of our efforts to enhance the depth and breadth of research at RFU and to facilitate the translation of our basic science research to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and identification of biomarkers in order to improve human health, a new Innovation and Research Park (IRP) was constructed, opening in January 2020. The novel design of the IRP enables academic researchers to reside in state-of-the-art laboratory space that is in close proximity to industry researchers on each floor of the 100,000 sq ft building. It also houses our Helix 51 Incubator, Chicago's newest bioscience incubator for startups. To learn more, see https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/research/innovation-and-research-park/

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conduct experiments and analyze data, as well as collaborate with a team.
• Develop and present posters, oral presentations, and draft manuscripts.
• Stay current with the latest research and publications in the field.
• Mentor and provide training to graduate and undergraduate students assisting in the research.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in neurobiology, neuroscience, bioengineering or related discipline.
• Experience in handling of laboratory rats/mice.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic, and high level of integrity.
• Ability to multitask, to manage time effectively, and to follow instructions and protocols.
• Excellent reading, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect and analyze data independently and in a team.
• Detailed record keeping.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rodent behavioral testing.
• Experience in programming in Python or Matlab.
• Experience in rodent stereotaxic surgery.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets