Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Mar 12, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Associate
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ-Child Health Institute
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Child Health Institute of NJ at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Rossi (PI and founding member of CNM), the Postdoc will be responsible for the design, analysis, interpretation, and presentation in oral and written form of experiments focused on studying the involvement of the hypothalamus and related brain circuitry in feeding, reward, motivated behavior, and diet-induced obesity. The project is part of a larger effort in the lab to understand the role of subcortical circuitry in normal and pathological feeding and reward processes. Applicant must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, psychology, computer science, biomedical engineering, biology, or other biomedical discipline. Previous research using 2-photon imaging, slice electrophysiology, optogenetics, rodent behavioral analysis, calcium imaging, or coding is preferred, but we are also interested in candidates with expertise in biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics who want to pursue additional training. The Postdoc will participate in lab meetings, research in progress seminars, and presentations at conferences. They will prepare manuscripts based on their research, aid in developing the PI's grant applications, and will be expected to apply for personal grant funding. Multiple resources for career development to aid with these requirements will be provided by the PI and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Design, perform, and analyze experiments to define how hypothalamic circuits and related brain regions are involved in reward and feeding and how they are altered by diet-induced obesity using 2-photon imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays. Perform and develop cellular and behavioral assays to test the impact of diet and metabolic state on the brain and behavior. Perform rodent survival surgery to implant lenses, optic fibers, or virus to generate experimental animals. Perform animal husbandry on the mouse colony to maintain experimental animals, monitor animal health, and ensure that all animal protocol rules and regulations are followed. Compile and analyze data with appropriate statistical analysis, conclusions, and future directions in support of future CHI research. Keep up to date on the relevant literature in both peer-reviewed and preprint form and assist the PI in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications relevant to own experimental work.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade
Position Salary	Based on experience; Base salary $61,805
Annual Minimum Salary
Annual Mid Range Salary
Annual Maximum Salary
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Post Docs - Regular Salaried
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Candidate must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, psychology, computer science, biomedical engineering, biology, or other relevant biomedical sciences. Candidates in ABD (all but degree) status will also be considered.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be able to work with rodents. Must have effective oral and written communication skills. Must be computer literate with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be highly motivated, self-driven, creative, and interactive. Must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Must have the ability to train and manage student researchers and technicians.
Preferred Qualifications	Preferred experience: in vivo imaging, ex vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavior, Python/R/Matlab coding proficiency.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical Demands: Must be able to perform laboratory research. Must be able to work with rodents. Some lifting may be required: laboratory items and/or boxes; up to 25 lbs. Walking, standing, sitting is required Work Environment: Must pass employee health clearance, TB test and required safety and animal training. Must follow all safety precautions in laboratory, as required.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0544
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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