A postdoc position is available in Synapse and Neural Circuit laboratory at NINDS, NIH. Our central goal is to understand the function of molecules in the brain in the context of synapses, circuits and behaviors. Specifically, we are using a combination of proteomic, molecular, cellular, genetic, electrophysiological, circuit and behavioral approaches to identify molecules and signaling pathways critical for synapse development and function, gain deep mechanistic insights into their actions in vitro, in vivo and in live animals, and eventually apply the knowledge at the molecular and cellular levels to tackle complex questions such as behavior and disease. Currently we are using GABAergic synapses in rodents as the model system, with three considerations in mind: 1) biology and physiology of GABAergic synapses are complex but greatly understudied; 2) GABAergic system is important in almost every aspects of brain physiology and dysregulation of GABAergic system has been implicated in pathogenesis of numerous brain disorders; 3) GABAA receptors are prolific targets for a number of clinical, therapeutic or recreational drugs that are widely used to treat anxiety, sleep disorder, depression, pain and epilepsy or to induce general anesthesia. Generally, we have no predetermined projects in the lab and instead projects are typically developed through extensive discussion, brainstorming and pilot experimentation. We love risky projects aiming to address fundamental questions in neuroscience. Candidates with background in molecular and cellular, imaging, electrophysiology or systems neuroscience are encouraged to apply.
If interested, please send an email with CV to Dr. Wei Lu at luw4@mail.nih.gov
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