Carnegie Mellon University:

Mellon College of Science:

Biological Sciences Location:

Pittsburgh, PA Description:

The laboratories of Dr. Alison Barth and Dr. Yongxin Zhao seek a joint position for a Postdoctoral Associate with interest and experience in development of novel techniques on nanoscale protein imaging in the mammalian central nervous system. We are looking for a person who is excited about science and wants to move the needle! The position will involve development and validation of a newly developed expansion microscopy approach for nanoscale imaging of proteins in mouse brain systems with ~20 nm resolution. The major goal is to apply this imaging method to validate putative thalamocortical synaptic contacts modified during learning and detected from volumetric confocal imaging and 2P imaging. Synapses will be detected and validated by imaging and analyzing the same objects before and after enhanced expansion microscopy. This project will build upon the collaborations between Barth lab and Zhao lab and will extend the Expansion Pathology methods developed by Dr. Zhao. Strong applicants will have some expertise in fluorescent imaging, neurobiology, and computational image analysis. A Ph.D. degree in a STEM field is required. The position will be fully supported by a grant administrated by NIH. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in any of STEM fields Minimum skills

• highlight all that apply At least 4 years of Biology/Chemistry research lab experience, especially in the field of neuroscience or biological imaging.

Ability to independently work on multiple projects. Hand-on experiences in neurosurgery on mouse, installing skull optical clearing window Hands on experience in fluorescence microscopy, in vivo 2P imaging preferred. Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills. Motivation to learn and develop new techniques and desires to apply them to address tractable scientific questions. Minimum physical mobility

• highlight all that apply Ability to stoop, reach, bend at waist, grasp Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 25 pounds Preferred qualifications, education and experience Expertise in Neuroscience research. Expertise in immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Computer programming experience (Matlab, Python or R preferred). Data analysis experience. Exposure
• none Job functions
• Development of novel imaging technologies to detect and validate synaptic contacts found in 2P in vivo imaging.

New member training Other duties as assigned.