Postdoctoral Fellow in Cichlid Behavioral Neuroscience - University of Maryland

The Juntti Lab at the University of Maryland is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our lab studying the genetic and neural pathways that regulate social behavior. We focus on reproductive behaviors in cichlid fish, a diverse and rapidly evolving family that exhibits complex social behaviors. What are the genes that regulate reproductive displays? How do neural ensembles coordinate these behaviors? And, how does evolution give rise to variation in behavior? We use neuroanatomical, molecular genetic, behavioral, and pharmacological methods to discover the mechanisms that link sensory inputs and internal state with behavioral outputs. Broadly, we use insights from sensory systems and endocrinology to discover candidate mechanisms for behavioral regulation, and then manipulate genes and neurons to test their role in behavior or physiology. We regularly manipulate cichlid genomes using CRISPR and transgenics, which enable gene knockouts, calcium imaging, reporter lines, and more. We are committed to a diverse scientific community in all its forms. We seek self-motivated individuals who are creative, hardworking, and team-oriented.

Website: biology.umd.edu/scott-juntti

You: are a motivated candidate who will pursue independent research, working within a dynamic team of scientists. A variety of projects are available that complement your unique strengths analyzing behavior, transcriptomics, neurophysiology, or endocrinology. You are also excited by the prospect of learning from non-traditional model organisms’ unique behaviors and evolutionary trajectory. Experience working with animal models is a must, but prior work with fish is not necessary. The successful candidate has a doctoral degree or expects its conferral in the near future.

About the environment

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, 6 miles from Washington, DC, easily accessible by Metro or car. We are housed in the Department of Biology, a stimulating group of scientists studying topics from ecology to evolution to neural circuits. UMD is a center of excellence for cichlid genetics, with the Carleton & Kocher labs located in the same building.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience. UMD offers excellent benefits: uhr.umd.edu/benefits/

To apply: Please send a C.V. with names of three references and a cover letter to sjuntti@umd.edu briefly addressing the following questions: How do see your skills, training, and previous experience fitting with the lab? How would this work fit with your future career goals? What sort of questions most excite you?