Postdoctoral Associate | Laboratory of Neurophy...

Organization OverviewThe Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior takes advantage of the relatively simple nervous system of the fruit fly Drosophila to examine how flexibility is engineered into the nervous system to give rise to adaptive behaviors,at the level of both individuals and species. We examine how learning rapidly shapes neural pathways to allow each member of a species to respond appropriately to their unique experience of the world. We also consider how neural circuits are adapted over longer evolutionary time scales to give rise to species-specific behaviors. Our lab employs a multidisciplinary approach,from biochemistry to behavior,with the goal of revealing the neural basis for flexible behavior at high resolution.OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled and motivated ion channel and cellular electrophysiologist to join our team as a Postdoctoral Associate. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply expertise in electrophysiology to structural studies of sensory receptors, with an emphasis on single-channel and bilayer or patch-clamp techniques. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in electrophysiology, including multiple years of experience and excited to actively collaborate with team members on a variety of experimental approaches. This position also provides the opportunity to expand into new methodologies, including in vivo recording techniques to study the role of sensory processing at the level of purified receptors and in their native cellular context.Why Join the Ruta Lab?

• Join a pioneering team committed to revealing the structural mechanisms of sensory receptors and neural circuits.
• Work in a collaborative lab environment that values innovation and cross-disciplinary skill development.
• Access state-of-the-art resources and opportunities for professional growth, including hands-on learning with in vivo recording techniques.

• Develop and employ electrophysiological techniques (single-channel, bilayer, or patch-clamp) on ion channels and sensory receptors
• Investigate structural mechanisms underlying receptor function through precise experimental design and advanced electrophysiological techniques
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including structural biologists, neuroscientists, and computational chemists, to integrate findings into broader research objectives
• Contribute to publications and presentations detailing novel findings
• Actively engage in learning and implementing in vivo recording methods to expand research skills and project capabilities

• PhD in Neurobiology, Biophysics, Physiology or a closely related field
• Multiple years of experience with single-channel, bilayer, or patch-clamp electrophysiology techniques
• A proven ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and software proficiency in electrophysiological data analysis
• A demonstrated commitment to learning new methodologies, particularly in vivo recording techniques, to expand research scope and impact
• A history of effective mentorship or teamwork in a research setting