Hi,

We have an opening for a research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Carmen Varela (Psychology Department, Florida Atlantic University; https://www.varelalab.org/) to investigate sleep oscillations that correlate with memory consolidation and sleep quality. Sleep disruption is a common symptom of neurodegenerative and mental disorders and is thought to be linked to their progression. Thalamocortical activity during sleep is critical for the contribution of sleep to memory consolidation, but it is not clear what oscillatory and cellular activity patterns relate to sleep quality and memory consolidation. The candidate will assist with administrative and scientific aspects of this project, using rats to investigate the patterns of thalamic activity that promote healthy sleep function and memory consolidation.

More generally, the lab uses state-of-the-art techniques to investigate the neural network mechanisms of cognitive behavior, with a focus on learning and memory and on the role of the neuronal circuits formed by the thalamus.

 Keywords: behaving rodent extracellular electrophysiology, sleep oscillations, learning and memory.

Start date September 2022 (some flexibility).

***  Requirements  ***

Interested candidates please send your curriculum and a brief description of your research interests to carmenv.work@gmail.com We are looking for team-oriented candidates, ideally with prior experience in rodent behavior. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information for two references.    

***  What you get  ***

·            Work on exciting and impactful projects to understand the contribution of thalamic activity to sleep and memory.

·            Develop research skills using state-of-the-art systems neuroscience methods in rodents.

·            Mentorship, supportive lab environment, in a rapidly growing neuroscience campus.

Location:  The Varela laboratory is located in FAU’s Jupiter campus, a rapidly growing neuroscience hub, which also hosts our partners the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Scripps Research Institute. 

FAU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veterans’ status or any other characteristic protected by law.