A postdoctoral position is immediately available at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to study visceral mechanotransduction and nociception. Normal bladder function and nociceptive responses to bladder inflammation and injury depend on inputs from afferent nerve fibers located within the bladder mucosa and the underlying musculature. These afferent fibers express a myriad of ligand- and mechano-gated ion channels and receptors that convert chemical and mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. How this complex sensory information is processed and integrated in the afferents that innervate the urinary bladder remains unresolved. The candidate will conduct critical bench experiments to define how acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and small conductance Ca2+-activated (SK) channels control bladder afferent outflow. The project involves the use of the following techniques: in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, ex vivo nerve recordings, patch-clamp and behavioral tests. Candidates should show a strong interest and motivation to develop new ideas towards the goals of the overall research program.

Qualifications or Expectations:

• An academic record demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in primary cell culture, mouse genetics, small animal surgery, ex vivo nerve recordings, patch-clamp, or confocal imaging is desired
• PhD or MD in Physiology, Neuroscience, or related fields

Opportunities Available:

• The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to present his/her work at national meetings and publish results, to benefit from career development resources available at Pitt, and to secure independent funding.

Duties or Responsibilities:

• analyze results and prepare figures and tables
• conduct bench experiments
• maintain log of experimental procedures
• participate in project planning and development of research protocols
• prepare findings for presentations at national and international meetings
• publications and grants

For more info about this position, visit:https://www.kidneycenter.pitt.edu/

Application Instructions:

Please visit join.pitt.edu and view requisition #23005729 to apply directly to the position. For any questions or more information, please email Maria Delesio at [email protected]