Post Doctoral Fellow - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Department of Neuroscience

The Department of Neuroscience at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow in Synaptic Molecular Biology and Super-Resolution Imaging at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.

About the Opportunity

The laboratory of Martin Hruska, Ph.D., is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Associate to investigate the molecular biology of synapses using advanced imaging techniques, including STED super-resolution microscopy. Our research explores the fundamental mechanisms of synapse formation, plasticity, and remodeling, with a focus on how these processes are disrupted in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

The successful candidate will lead a project examining the structural and molecular underpinnings of synaptic remodeling that drive brain plasticity in health and neurodegeneration. This work leverages molecular biology, biochemistry, and cutting-edge imaging methods to uncover how nanoscale synaptic architecture regulates neuronal function.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Perform molecular and imaging analyses to investigate nanoscale synaptic organization.
• Use STED microscopy to resolve synaptic components in cultured neurons and brain sections.
• Design and conduct experiments on synaptic remodeling and plasticity.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory organization and academic integrity.
• Conduct literature reviews, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in the following:
  
  
  
  • Expertise in synaptic biology, plasticity, and/or neurodegenerative disease models.
  • Hands-on experience with super-resolution microscopy techniques (preferably STED) and imaging of neuronal cultures or brain tissue.
  • Proficiency in cell culture preparation, protein quantification, confocal microscopy, and data analytics.
  • Coding skills (e.g., Java, Python) are a plus.
  
  
  
  
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Super-resolution imaging
• DNA manipulation/cloning
• CRISPR technology
• Cell culture preparation
• AAV purification/injections
• PCR, Western blotting, and protein assays
• Independent thinking

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.