Postdoctoral Fellowship

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Molecular Mechanisms of Stress and Alcohol Interactions - Maiya Lab, LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) - New Orleans

Dr. Rajani Maiya's laboratory in the department of Physiology at LSUHSC in New Orleans is currently recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the molecular mechanisms of stress and alcohol interactions. Our NIH-funded research program in the aims to dissect the relationship between stress and alcohol misuse at circuit, cellular, and molecular levels. Using an animal model of social stress-induced escalation of alcohol consumption, we are particularly focused on understanding neural circuits in which the Kappa/Dynorphin system acts to mediate these stress-induced increases in alcohol consumption. A complementary project applies single-nucleus transcriptomics to define molecular signatures of stress-escalated alcohol intake in the paraventricular thalamus. We are seeking individuals with experience in the fields of behavioral pharmacology, systems/circuit neuroscience, molecular neuroscience, and/or Omics-based approaches. More information can be found on the lab's website at www.maiyalab.org. Successful candidates will have substantial expertise in rodent behaviors and/or proficient in bioinformatics pipelines for high resolution transcriptomics. Individuals that are interested in combining behavioral and molecular approaches in their research are preferred and will receive training in new techniques to build upon existing skill sets. The successful candidate will also receive intensive and individually tailored mentoring toward the establishment of an independent research career in the integrative neurosciences. Selected applicants are also eligible for appointment to our long-standing NIAAA T32 training program. Applicant will work on multidisciplinary projects in a highly collaborative environment located within the heart of New Orleans and receive an NIH-level stipend. Interested candidates are also encouraged to contact Rajani Maiya directly at rmaiya@lsuhsc.edu.