Postdoctoral fellow

Position: An NIH-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship position is available immediately for an individual with interest in the age-related changes of neural circuitry underlying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathophysiology and age-related cognitive decline in animal models of OSA.

Laboratory interests: In the Sleep and Sleep Disorders Laboratory we study the neuronal mechanisms underlying age-related increase in OSA prevalence, sex differences in OSA and how OSA contribute to age-related cognitive deficits and promote neurodegeneration.

A major goal of the lab is to develop cutting-edge therapeutic strategies that can be translated to individuals affected by OSA.

The lab specializes in in vivo methodology in behaving animals and neuroanatomical approaches of tract tracing including sleep and upper airway muscle activity recordings, chemogenetics (DREADDs) to selectively target specific neuronal groups to discover their function in sleep regulation, viral-based ChR2 tracers for mapping axonal projections from specific group of neurons in transgenic mice, as well as the behavioral battery to assess the cognitive functions in animal models of OSA.

Research projects involve fluorescent or bright field imaging, confocal microscopy, histological processing of mouse brain tissue and immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization for different neuronal markers. Experience in any of these areas is preferred. Training is also available in these methods.

Please visit the lab’s website for more details about our work and members of the group: https://www.amc.edu/research/DNET/dnet_faculty.cfm

Requirements: Ideal candidates will have a strong curiosity for the origins and underpinnings of age-related changes of neural circuitry involved in sleep regulation and OSA pathophysiology, as well as age-related cognitive decline in animal models of OSA, the courage to take on new techniques and concepts and troubleshoot their successful execution, the motivation to strive and succeed in the use of neurophysiological and neuroanatomical methods, their careful analyses, and an impeccable attention to detail. Above all, a collegial and friendly spirit is a must to work collaboratively in an extremely friendly and interactive lab environment.

Candidate with a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related discipline (or M.D. with extensive neuroscience research experience) are invited to submit statement of research experience and interests, CV, and contact information of three references.

Expected start date

immediate but flexible; The initial appointment will be for two years, renewable annually thereafter. Salary for this position will be as per the NIH guidelines.

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Irma Rukhadze at rukhadi@amc.edu