Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neurophysiology of Social Bonding in Rodents
Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Department of Biology
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
The laboratories of Robert Liu, Gordon Berman and Larry Young at Emory University are accepting applications for a postdoctoral scientist working in a collaborative team to study pro-social interactions in rodents. The research combines
recent advances in computational ethology (Berman et al, Interface, 2014) with
in vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics in socially interacting prairie voles (Amadei, Johnson et al,
Nature, 2017), a premier rodent model for the formation of social bonds (Lim et al,
Nature, 2004). The research aims to use behavioral and neurophysiological activity to build predictive models of social dynamics leading to a pair bond, and investigate the role that oxytocin plays in mediating these activities.
PhD required. We are looking for a candidate who approaches neuroscience with a systems or circuit perspective and is interested in the neuroscience of social behavior. Training in any of the following areas would be viewed favorably:
in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, computational data analysis, sensorimotor integration, reward and reinforcement.
Emory University and the Yerkes National Primate Research Center have a rich, collaborative neuroscience community (http://biomed.emory.edu/PROGRAM_SITES/NS/), especially in the areas
of translational social neuroscience (http://ctsn.emory.edu/) and computational neuroscience (http://compneurosci.college.emory.edu/). Research at Emory in the neurobiology
of social behavior extends across many labs from the molecular level through the organismal level in animal models and humans, with a particular interest in the functions of oxytocin (http://www.oxytocin.emory.edu/).
Ongoing efforts include both elucidating normal processes and ameliorating deficits found in human conditions, like autism spectrum disorder.
To inquire or apply, please email
robert.liu@emory.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue at least through March 31, or until the position is filled. Applications should include a CV, the names and full contact information of 3 references, and at least one representative
publication.
Emory University is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
References:
Amadei EA*, Johnson ZV*, Kwon YJ, Shpiner AC, Saravanan V, Mays W, Ryan S, Walum H, Rainnie D, Young LJ, Liu RC (2017). Dynamic corticostriatal activity biases social bonding in monogamous female prairie voles,
Nature, 546(7657):297-301.
doi:10.1038/nature22381
Berman GJ, Choi DM, Bialek W, Shaevitz JW (2014). Mapping the stereotyped behaviour of freely moving fruit flies.
Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(99):20140672. doi:10.1098/rsif.2014.0672
Lim, MM, Wang Z, Olazábal DE, Ren X, Terwilliger EF, Young LJ (2004). Enhanced partner preference in promiscuous species by manipulating the
expression of a single gene. Nature, 429(6993):754-757. doi:10.1038/nature02539
Robert C. Liu, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Emory University
O. W. Rollins Research Center Rm 2131
1510 Clifton Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
Phone: +1 404-727-5274
Email: robert.liu@emory.edu