Postdoctoral Fellow, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Dr. Kenta Asahina

Description

Position description

Our research employs cross-disciplinary approaches (genetics, transcriptomics, circuit tracing, functional imaging, quantitative behavioral analyses) to elucidate the roles played by genes and neurons in social behavior. An ideal postdoctoral fellow candidate would have a demonstrated expertise in the following fields:

• Biochemistry and bioinformatics. We seek a candidate who has both bench and quantitative data analysis experience in transcriptomics. Using our 10X Genomics single cell transcriptome platform, we intend to characterize genes responsible for flexible behavioral modulations during social interactions in both flies and unconventional animal models, such as honey bees and paper wasps.
• Neurophysiology. We seek a candidate who is familiar with techniques for monitoring activities of neurons in vivo , such as electrophysiology and functional imaging. We are in the process of expanding our functional imaging capacity to be able to monitor neural activities as animals are behaving in a simulated naturalistic environment.
• Quantitative behavior. We seek a candidate who can use computational approaches to discover patterns in complex, animal-behavior data. How to analyze multidimensional behavioral data involving interacting animals in a comprehensive and robust manner is a major computational challenge. Yet unbiased, quantitative behavioral data is the foundation of our genetic, cellular, and neurophysiological experiments.

The most important quality for a candidate is the curiosity and drive toward understanding the neurobiology of animal behavior. We seek a postdoctoral fellow who is capable of working independently to build a robust research program by fostering collaborations (both within and external to the Asahina lab and with Salk Core personnel) to achieve their goals.

Education

A Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or computer sciences.

Experience

A successful candidate must have experience conducting independent and productive research. The specific topic of this previous research is not as important as the candidate's creativity in framing an innovative question around their expertise and curiosity.

Application instructions

Send a CV, including contact information for at least three references who can objectively evaluate your capability as a scientist, and a statement of research interests (types of questions you would like to address in my group) to kasahina@salk.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)