Postdoctoral Position in Computational Approaches to Rodent Social Neurophysiology
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 use quantitative behavioral and electrophysiological methods 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). Our NIH-funded project’s goal is to use prior behavioral and neurophysiological activity to build predictive models of social dynamics leading to a pair bond.
PhD required. We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in experimental,
in vivo extracellular electrophysiology (ideally in rodents) and computational data analysis and scientific programming. Training in the neurobiology of social behavior, social information processing, sensorimotor integration, and/or the neural circuitry
for reward and reinforcement would also be viewed favorably.
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 Oct. 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