Postdoctoral Fellow - Neural Circuits of Reinforcement Learning and Affective Bias Employer UTSW Medical Cntr @ Dallas Location Dallas, Texas Salary Negotiable Closing date Nov 21, 2026 View more categories View less categories Sector Graduate School or University Job Function Postdoctoral Researcher Research Area Integrative Physiology & Behavior , Motivation & Emotion , Neural Excitability, Synapses, & Glia Position Type Full Time Level Any Experience Level Considered Apply on website Save job Click to add the job to your shortlist You need to sign in or create an account to save a job. Send job Job Details Company Job Details Shabel Laboratory UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas The Shabel Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the neural mechanisms of reinforcement learning and affective bias.

Current projects include:

Neural mechanisms of reward prediction error and optimistic/pessimistic expectations. This project investigates the synaptic and circuit mechanisms through which habenula-related pathways shape dopamine reward prediction error signals and optimistic and pessimistic reward expectations using mouse behavioral, circuit, and neural recording approaches. Habenula GPCR function and therapeutic potential. This project investigates the function of a habenula-enriched G protein-coupled receptor and its potential as a therapeutic target for disorders involving altered motivation and affect. Additional information about current research directions and publications can be found at https://www.shabellab.org/ . Research Opportunities Depending on the fellow's interests, experience, and research direction, approaches may include: In vivo calcium or other optical imaging In vivo electrophysiology Slice electrophysiology Fiber photometry Optogenetic and chemogenetic circuit manipulation Quantitative and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data The position offers substantial flexibility to develop new questions within the broader areas of reinforcement learning, habenula function, and dopamine-related circuitry. The fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research directions and to acquire new technical and conceptual expertise. Qualifications Applicants should have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field. Experience in rodent behavior and one or more of the previously listed methods is preferred but not required.

Candidates may apply at https:

//jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/job/23875545/postdoctoral-researcher-psychiatry-shabel-lab-dallas-tx/ . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is ~ November 1, 2026. " UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status. To learn more, please visit here . Company UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty includes many distinguished members, including six who have been awarded Nobel Prizes since 1985. The faculty of almost 2,800 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in about 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2.2 million outpatient visits a year.

Our MissionTo improve health care in our community, Texas, our nation, and the world through innovation and education.

To educate the next generation of leaders in patient care, biomedical science, and disease prevention.

To conduct high-impact, internationally recognized research.

To deliver patient care that brings scientific advances to the bedside — focusing on quality, safety, and service. Share this job Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Apply on website