Postdoctoral Scholar – Synaptic Physiology (Renden Lab) (nshe)

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778.

We are seeking to hire one postdoctoral fellow position. We seek highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with experience in cellular electrophysiology to join the laboratory of Dr. Robert Renden, in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology. Positions is immediately available, and will investigate mechanisms underlying bioenergetic support of synaptic short-term plasticity and the role of presynaptic mitochondria using whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and functional fluorescence imaging in mouse brain.

The major responsibilities of this position include:

• Execute experiments to determine the bioenergetics of presynaptic function. How do routes of energy production, consumption, and distribution shape synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity?
• Contribute to timely experimental execution, data collection, and rigorous data analysis.
• Report experimental findings in written publications, incorporating new findings with the existing published literature.
• Collaborate to develop mechanistic and molecular models describing cellular/molecular mechanisms that are degraded during normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Work to develop an independent experimental research program to evaluate the impact of energetic impairment on synaptic function at central nervous system synapses.

Required Qualifications

• Recent PhD degree (obtained within 5 years of start date) in cellular/molecular biology, synaptic neuroscience, or relevant field.
• Experience in cell and molecular neuroscience techniques applicable for synaptic physiology: whole cell recording, brain slice electrophysiology.
• Strong organizational skills, and goal-oriented motivation towards solving fundamental questions in neuroscience.
• An ability to work independently in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing first author publications in peer-reviewed journals in the field of cellular or molecular neuroscience is highly desirable.
• Research experience in synaptic physiology is preferred.

Pay will be commensurate or above NIH stipend.

Reno, Nevada is a progressive, growing, and dynamic community. Located less than 30 minutes’ drive away from beautiful Lake Tahoe, world-class skiing, trekking, and mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada mountains are easily accessible. We were recently highlighted as Happiest Place to Live in 2023 by Outside magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/happiest-places-to-live-us/

Search Contact

Robert Renden, PhD

rendenr@med.unr.edu 

1) Resume/CV

2) Letters of Application (Cover letter)

3) Three professional references (include name, title, company/organization, email address, phone number)

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med)

For over 50 years the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) has trained physicians who are leading the way to 'A Healthy Nevada', nation, and world. Community-based and research-intensive, UNR Med is committed to our four-part mission of education, research, clinical service, and diversity. We show this commitment through our demonstrated core values: people are our strength, we innovate and improve, we serve with integrity, and we success with trust and respect.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine is an inclusive and engaged community. We recognize that diverse faculty and leaders add value to the educational experience and promote excellence in our teaching, patient care, and research missions. We seek applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to our mission and uphold our core values.

Our mission has guided our growth in graduating the next generation of primary and specialty care physicians and medical researchers while maintaining personalized instruction. The School of Medicine has statewide outreach with a local touch providing patient care, health services, and training physicians in Reno, Nevada and in the state’s rural communities. We are expanding provider education to train medical specialists as Medical Doctors as well as Speech Pathologists and Physician Assistants. We are actively expanding technologically-advanced infrastructure to keep pace with our world-class research to meet the needs of students, patients, and researchers. We seek to create an environment that serves all who enter our doors, from the physicians who teach our learners to our employees, patients, and students.

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine