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Positions

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neuroethology of Animal Cognition
Jobs & Postdocs
Posted Aug 21

The University of Nebraska Omaha invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Ryan Wong’s laboratory (https://sites.google.com/a/unomaha.edu/wonglab/) in the Department of Biology. The Wong lab is interested in understanding the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying stress coping styles and related cognitive processes using zebrafish.

The Postdoc will take lead in the design, conduction, and publication of experiments investigating the proximate mechanisms of the interaction between stress coping styles and cognitive capabilities (e.g. learning and memory) using zebrafish. There are opportunities to investigate fundamental questions that span multiple levels of biological organization ranging from behavior to neurobiology to genetics. The NSF-funded projects will utilize a variety of cognition assays, neurohistochemistry, transcriptomics, genome editing (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9), and bioinformatics. The Postdoc will also have opportunities to take lead and contribute to the lab’s student mentorships and outreach activities.

The duration of this NSF-funded position is for 3 years. The candidate should be highly motivated with a fundamental interest in investigating mechanisms underlying animal cognition and personality. Successful candidates will have earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or related field prior to June 2021. The preferred start date is March 2021, but a start date prior to July 1, 2021 is negotiable. Candidates should have demonstrated success in conduction and dissemination of scientific research. Specifically, the applicant should have demonstrated experience in developing or conducting at least one of the following: behavioral assays (learning/memory), neurohistochemistry, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and/or genome editing.

The University of Nebraska and I are dedicated to advancing the careers of trainees through personalized mentorship, providing opportunities for enhancement of both professional and technical skillsets, and offering collaboration opportunities with other scientists.

Your online application should include a (i) cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) research statement describing how the lab’s research interests complements your own interests and experiences, (iv) diversity statement describing the candidate’s philosophy on diversity, including but not limited to addressing the needs of students from underrepresented groups, and (v) graduate transcripts. Please also include the name and contact information for two references, who will be requested to submit reference letters. Submit application materials at http://unomaha.peopleadmin.com/postings/11096 starting November 1, 2020. Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2021 and continue until position is filled. All interested parties must apply through above website. Materials submitted by other means will not be considered. Prospective candidates are also highly encouraged to directly contact Dr. Wong to express interest and discuss position details well in advance of application submission. Please direct questions about this position to Ryan Wong, Ph.D. at [email protected].

A vibrant, metropolitan university in the state’s largest city, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. In recent decades the campus developed as a more traditional residential university supported by several new and beautifully appointed residence halls. UNO is classified as a doctoral-research university in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the Athletic program competes in NCAA division I. It also has the distinction of being one of the nation’s leaders in engagement and outreach with a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. For more information about UNO’s metropolitan missions, please see Growing With and Within Our Community. The campus is located in the heart of Omaha, a cosmopolitan city of more than 600,00 (1.2 million including the large Omaha metro area, which is known for its excellent public school system and strong economic base. The city has a variety if sizeable ethnic populations and a myriad of interesting places to live and shop.

The University and School have a strong commitment to diversity in its varied forms and to fostering an inclusive and welcoming learning environment where students, faculty and staff thrive and succeed. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer.