Postdoc in Neuroscience in University of Connecticut – USA

Summary

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Sciolino Lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Behavioral Systems Neuroscience. The successful candidate will lead independent and collaborative projects within an NIH-funded research program focusing on how neuromodulatory systems, particularly norepinephrine, influence neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors like feeding and threat avoidance. The position is full-time, grant-funded for 12 months, with annual renewal contingent on performance and funding. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, a strong publication record, and experience with rodent behavior and in vivo neuroscience approaches. Training and mentorship will be provided to support the development of independent fellowship and grant applications. The salary follows the UConn Postdoctoral Scholar scale, aligned with NIH NRSA stipend levels. Applications are open until filled.

Key Facts

Department	Department Physiology Neurobiology
Position Type	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Discipline	Neuroscience
Research Area	Behavioral Systems Neuroscience
Degree Required	PhD in neuroscience or related field
Experience	Strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience; experience in rodent behavior and/or in vivo neuroscience approaches; demonstrated verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated organizational skills; experience working independently and collaboratively.
Salary	Will follow University Connecticut Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale aligned with NIH NRSA stipend levels, with final compensation determined based on years of relevant postdoctoral experience.
Funding	NIH-funded project
Contract Duration	Full-time, grant-funded 12-month position, expected to be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Employer Address	UConn Storrs Campus, Storrs, USA

About the Project

The research project, funded by NIH, investigates how neuromodulatory systems interact with central taste processing regions to regulate behavior. Specifically, the Sciolino Lab, established in 2021, studies how neuromodulatory systems, particularly norepinephrine (NE), shape neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors such as feeding, taste-guided behavior, and threat avoidance. The research employs in vivo neural recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays to understand neural circuit function.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead innovative behavioral systems neuroscience projects
• Perform in vivo recordings and circuit manipulations in behaving mice
• Develop and optimize behavioral paradigms
• Conduct stereotaxic surgeries, viral targeting, optogenetic manipulations, histology, and anatomical validation
• Analyze high-dimensional neural and behavioral datasets
• Mentor trainees and contribute to a collaborative and rigorous lab environment
• Contribute to grant writing and develop independent funding opportunities

Required Skills

• PhD in neuroscience or related field by start date
• Strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience
• Experience in rodent behavior and/or in vivo neuroscience approaches
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Experience working independently and collaboratively
• Experience in vivo electrophysiology and/or calcium imaging data collection and analysis (preferred)
• Experience in machine learning–based behavioral quantification (e.g., DeepLabCut, MoSeq) (preferred)
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, R, or related platforms for neural and behavioral data analysis (preferred)
• Experience developing independent research questions and pursuing external funding (preferred)

Who Should Apply

This position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing academic independence and developing expertise in neuromodulatory circuits, sensory processing, in vivo imaging, and/or behavior. Applicants should have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, a strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience, and experience with rodent behavior and in vivo neuroscience approaches. Those with experience in in vivo electrophysiology, calcium imaging, machine learning-based behavioral quantification, and neural behavioral data analysis platforms like MATLAB, Python, or R are preferred. Candidates should also be interested in developing independent research questions and pursuing external funding.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement options, and paid time off
• Salary aligned with NIH NRSA stipend levels
• Training and mentorship provided to support development of independent fellowship and grant applications

About the Employer

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Sciolino Lab within the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on the Storrs Campus. The Sciolino Lab, established in 2021, conducts NIH-funded research on neuromodulatory systems and their role in motivated behaviors. UConn is an AA/EEO employer committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary research focus of the Sciolino Lab?

The Sciolino Lab studies how neuromodulatory systems, particularly norepinephrine (NE), shape neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors, including feeding, taste-guided behavior, and threat avoidance.

What type of contract is offered for this position?

This is a full-time, grant-funded 12-month position, with the appointment expected to be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

What are the minimum qualifications for this Postdoctoral Research Associate position?

Minimum qualifications include a PhD in neuroscience or a related field by the start date, a strong publication record in behavioral and/or systems neuroscience, experience in rodent behavior and/or in vivo neuroscience approaches, and demonstrated verbal, written communication, and organizational skills, along with experience working independently and collaboratively.

What benefits are included with this position?

Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Connecticut receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and paid time off, in accordance with University policies and the Postdoctoral Scholar union contract.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must upload a cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references.

Is there support for career development?

Yes, training and mentorship will be provided to support the development of independent fellowship and grant applications, and candidates will be expected to contribute to grant writing and develop independent funding opportunities.