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Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics: Postdoctoral Scientist in Neuroscience (Open until filled. Apply by 11/03/2017)

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Position description

The Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction and supervision of Professor Alexander Sher.

The Sher lab investigates functional organization of mammalian retina (multiple pathways represented by distinct retinal ganglion cell types), its development (role of molecular cues and activity in “wiring up” of the complex retinal circuitry), and amelioration of degenerative diseases leading to blindness. For that purpose, we use unique recording systems developed by the multidisciplinary collaboration between physicists and biologists. The successful candidate will focus on the investigation of neural plasticity in the retina. We discovered that local selective ablation of photoreceptors in the mammalian retina leads to different bipolar cells types employing strikingly different strategies for connecting to the surviving photoreceptors.

The postdoctoral scientist will investigate the extent of this constructive plasticity and molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation of the new synapses in the adult mammalian retina using mouse models and accessing the neural plasticity through a combination of immunostaining/imaging and electrophysiology methods.

RANK: Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, with annual range between $50,000 and $54,000.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or equivalent foreign degree in Neurobiology, Physics, or related discipline.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The preferred candidate will have strong experience and track record in experimental neuroscience research and be proficient in immunostaining and imaging of neural tissue. The preferred candidate will also have substantial background in visual neuroscience research; strong computational, software, and data analysis skills; experience in electrophysiology in-vitro and/or in-vivo.

POSITION AVAILABLE: December 1, 2017. Ph.D. in hand at time of appointment.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of reappointment for a total of five years: with annual reappointment contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. For appointments within the University of California, a total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including Postdoctoral service at other institutions. Under certain circumstances, a sixth year may be considered.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, a list of publications, and three confidential letters of recommendation.* Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. For questions, please contact Alexander Sher at sashake3@ucsc.edu.

APPLY AT https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00488
Refer to Position #JPF00488-18T in all correspondence.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on November 3, 2017. To ensure full consideration, applications should be completed and letters of reference received by this date. The position will remain open until filled, but no later than 6/30/2018.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686.

Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686. Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available here or from the Academic Personnel Office (APO) at (831) 459-4300.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Academic Personnel Office at apo@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4300.

                                                    VISIT THE APO WEB SITE AT: http://apo.ucsc.edu      

10/4/17

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • List of publications

  • Statement of research interests

Reference requirements
  • 3 letters of reference required

Job location

Santa Cruz, CA