Postdoctoral Research Fellow - University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth

Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in autonomic neuroscience lab at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is currently available to study neural control of cardiorespiratory function.

Our laboratory uses a variety of in vivo, in situ and in vitro approaches to study the role of synaptic plasticity in autonomic brainstem circuits that control blood pressure and breathing. We combine electrophysiology (extracellular, intracellular, whole-cell patch), neuronal tracing, immunohistochemistry and computational biology to identify and model the intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons and their cytoarchitecture in autonomic networks. Recently, we have incorporated high-speed optical imaging using voltage-sensitive dyes to characterize the spatiotemporal organization of these networks and atomic force microscopy to functionally characterize plasma proteins such as ligand-gated receptors. Two major projects are currently ongoing in the lab: 2) Identify the cellular and network mechanisms that process and transmit sensory input from arterial baroreceptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii; and 2) Study the developmental and functional effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on neuronal acetylcholine receptor expression on medullary respiratory neurons.

The candidate should have received a PhD in neuroscience, physiology or a related field. Experience in electrophysiology and/or computational biology are preferred.

Applications received by September 1, 2007 will receive full consideration. Please send CV, including a statement of research interest and experience, along with names and addresses of 3 references to: Jeffrey Potts, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, 134 Research Park Dr., Columbia, MO 65211 USA; Email: pottsjt@missouri.edu