Postdoctoral Associate at the Parker laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech

The Parker laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting a postdoctoral associate. The primary role of this position is to perform electrophysiology experiments using whole cell patch clamp of mouse primary sensory neurons and spinal cord slices to investigate the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in chronic pain. This project will investigate the role of various nicotinic receptor subunits in the development of pain and chronic pain using transgenic mice.

The candidate will have the opportunity to submit grants for additional funding opportunities. If interested, the candidate may also work with clinical canine models of pain as well. The ideal candidate will function independently and responsibly, while reporting directly to Dr. Rell Parker. The majority of time will be devoted to research efforts, with a smaller proportion of time devoted to lab maintenance, training our laboratory technician and undergraduate/graduate students, writing, and oversight.

Required Qualifications

PhD degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.Expertise performing whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology.Ability to work independently and assume responsibility.Ability to work on more than one ongoing project simultaneously.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with optogenetics, chemogenetics, and related techniques.Expertise in rodent behavior, surgery, and anesthesia techniques.Knowledge of computer programming languages for data analysis.

Appointment Type

Restricted Research Faculty

Salary Range

$40,000 - $70,000

Review Date

6/30/2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Rell Parker at rell@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Please send a curriculum vitae with a description of research experiences and contact information for three references to Dr. Rell Parker at rell@vt.edu