What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher - NeuroBioPhysics position at Syracuse University?
The Mihovilovic Skanata Lab at Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY () ) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to fill an NIH-funded position. We are looking for applicants with a PhD in Physics, Biology, Neuroscience, Engineering, or a related field, who have a proven record of conducting experimental research, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. The ideal candidate should have a passion for scientific discovery and a strong background in biophysics or neuroscience-related research. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the projects currently available, there will be abundant opportunities for creativity and cross-disciplinary approaches.
Our NeuroBioPhysics Lab () is highly interdisciplinary, combining research in physics, neuroscience, engineering, and computer science. The current team includes a research professor, two physics graduate students, a computer science master’s student, and eight undergraduate students from diverse fields such as biology, neuroscience, and psychology. Our overarching goal is to understand the mechanisms through which correlated neural activity generates behavior. We seek to understand how and where decisions are formed in the brain, how neural correlates change during learning or in the presence of neurological diseases, and the neural underpinnings of rhythmic locomotion patterns.
To achieve a circuit-wide understanding of neural computations, we use Drosophila larva as a model organism that is equipped with a rich set of generic tools for accessing neuronal activity during behavioral processes. To fully leverage this model, we are using and further developing novel imaging technology, a two-photon tracking microscope, which allows us to directly read out neural activity while larvae freely move and freely behave. We are also designing behavioral assays to stimulate sensory neurons while optogenetically manipulating neurons in neural circuits. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in any of these areas and other topics of mutual interest.
Syracuse University's Physics Department is home to an exceptional Soft Matter and Biological Physics group () , consisting of 10 faculty members who are fostering a collaborative, supportive, and friendly environment. Our group is also part of the BioInspired Institute () , which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and offers comprehensive professional development programs () for postdocs. Scientific engagement is encouraged through weekly BioSoft Bunch Lunch meetings, where students and postdocs present their research, and weekly BioPhysics Seminars, Physics Colloquia, and monthly BioInspired Institute meetings.
This appointment is for one year, subject to renewal.
