Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

The Department of Integrative Physiology and the Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG) are organized research units of the University of Colorado Graduate School dedicated to conducting and facilitating research on individual differences in behavior's genetic and environmental bases. Within IBG, the Hoeffer lab uses mouse models to study the neurological underpinnings of genetically derived neurological diseases and disorders. Our studies range from assays of animal behavior to molecular analyses of neuromolecular signaling. To accomplish this, our lab employs a comprehensive battery of technical approaches. Our behavioral work utilizes well-validated mouse behavioral paradigms modeling human behavior with automated video capture-based behavioral assessments. We combine these assays with other techniques to manipulate the brain using viral transfection, brain region-specific genetic and pharmacological interventions, and in vivo electrophysiological recording. We have expertise in several areas of cognition: memory formation, spatial learning, affective behaviors, extinction learning, circadian activity, and social behavior. Our lab also uses ex vivo brain slice electrophysiology to examine neuronal circuit function and signaling in the hippocampus and other brain regions. We also use primary neuronal culture to ask more detailed neurophysiological questions at the single neuron level or using a multi-electrode array (MEA), network firing properties mimicking sleep. The biochemical studies conducted in the lab include western analyses, spectrophotometric enzymatic assays, and real-time quantitative PCR to study molecular signaling pathways involved in neuronal function. We hope that this multi-faceted approach allows us to explore the mechanistic nature of human neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases more profoundly and translate our findings to improved diagnostics and therapies for human patients.

• Perform and maintain primary rodent astrocyte cultures
• Conduct experiments assessing molecular and histological markers of astrocyte activation
• Use and maintain confocal microscopy systems for imaging
• Analyze data and contribute to scientific manuscripts and presentations
• Collaborate with other research staff and students within the lab and across the institute

$45,756 12 month salary for a 75% time position.

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field (completed or anticipated by start date)
• Demonstrated experience in primary rodent astrocyte culture
• Familiarity with glial biology, particularly astrocytes
• Hands-on experience assessing astrocyte activation markers at the molecular and histological level
• Proficiency with confocal microscopy

• Experience with nicotine-related mouse behavioral assays
• Skill in mouse genotyping techniques