Research Associate-Fixed Term

  • Michigan State University
  • United States, MI
  • May 9, 2026
Full-time, Part-time
  •  

    Job Description:

    Position Summary

    A postdoctoral position is available in the Crandall Laboratory at Michigan State University. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to combine electrophysiological and optogenetics methods to investigate the organization and function of neural circuits in the mammalian forebrain. Our lab applies these approaches in both acute brain slices and awake, behaving animals to understand how long-range cortical feedback projections influence information processing in the sensory cortex and thalamus. Recent publications include Dash et al., 2022, J. Neurosci; Martinetti et al., 2022, Cerebral Cortex; Wundrach et al., 2020, Front Mol Neurosci; Crandall et al., 2017, Cell Reports; Crandall et al., 2015, Neuron; Normand et al., 2013, Neuron. We are particularly interested in individuals with experience or a strong interest in in vivo electrophysiological recordings in combination with optogenetics of the mouse brain. The Crandall Lab is in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Our group is also part of the Neuroscience Program, a multidisciplinary program of approximately 60 faculty seeking fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The successful candidate(s) will have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field and should have experience with electrophysiology. However, all enthusiastic, curious, and ambitious candidates with a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

    Required Degree

    Doctorate -Neuroscience or Related Field

    Minimum Requirements

    The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field

    Desired Qualifications

    Applicants should have experience with electrophysiology. However, all enthusiastic, curious and ambitious candidates with a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply.

    Required Application Materials

    Current C.V., contact information for three references, and a brief description of past research accomplishments, research interests, and career goals.

    Special Instructions

    The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities contact form here: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/form/contact. Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff.

    Review of Applications Begins On

    01/21/2025

    Summary of Health Risks

    Will work with animals and biohazardous materials.

    Website

    https://physiology.natsci.msu.edu/

    Department Statement

    The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

    The Physiology Department Mission:

    • Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
    • Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
    • Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
    • Train future scientists in state of the art physiology concepts & approaches.

    The Department of Physiology at Michigan State University embraces diversity in its faculty, students and staff. We are committed to providing an environment that nurtures and values inclusion of different backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and skills. Engaging the unique and diverse contributions of our department members results in innovation and excellence in our research, teaching, service and outreach. We take pride in the strength of our diversity and our ability to work together with respect and equality.

    MSU Statement

    Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.







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