Researcher 5

The Wardill Lab is looking for a Research Associate to investigate the neuromuscular control of octopus arms for an 18-month position. If the grant is productive in research outputs, a 2-year renewal would be sought from the funders.

The goal for this post is to understand octopus sensory inputs & neuromuscular control systems that coordinate arm movements. The candidate will use newly developed techniques to implant tetrodes and neurologging devices within octopuses/cuttlefish/squid to see how control systems operate during behavior. Neuroanatomical experiments are also planned. For this, you will have access to cutting-edge multi-electrode recording and stimulation equipment, 2-photon microscopy and a variety of cephalopod species housed either at University of Minnesota or at the Marine Biological Lab. The project is a team effort with the laboratories of Melina Hale (U. Chicago) and Roger Hanlon (Marine Biological Lab). We will also have support from the cephalopod rearing initiative at the MBL, where many species of cephalopod are currently being reared over multiple generations. Thus, you will work as part of a team, and with collaborators. The three teams will coordinate efforts to conduct neuroanatomy, physiology and behavior experiments.

The ideal candidate can perform multi-electrode electrophysiology experiments and has experience in undertaking behavioral experiments and/or neuroanatomy investigations. Such a candidate will have interests and possibly experience with systems that log electrophysiology data to SD-card, such as the Neurologger 3 technology. This project is being built on our experience with cephalopod anesthesia, skin / papillae electrophysiology, and neuroanatomy. We are currently using high-speed videography, DeepLabCut automated feature detection and 3D tracking to analyze behavioral routines. The candidate does not need to have experience with cephalopods but this would be a considerable advantage if they also have electrophysiology experience.

60% Perform electrophysiology, behavior and neuroantomy studies regarding the control of arm movements in octopus
Tasks may include:
* Undertake electrophysiology recordings from octopus ganglia and nerve cords while stimulating with sensory or electrical stimuli.
* Write Matlab scripts for data acquisition, equipment control and data analysis.
* Undertake behavioral testing to determine which cues alter the behavior of octopus arm movements.
* Use immuno labelling and 2-photon imaging to investigate neural tract connectivity, muscle arrangement and presence of smooth catch muscles.
* Perform pharmacological and electrical stimulation testing to determine if octopus arms contain catch muscles.

25% Write and Publish articles
Contribute to the writing, submission and revision of papers while collaborating with others as appropriate for these tasks.

15% Demonstrate, advise, and communicate research
Demonstrate and advise academic staff, postdoctoral workers and research students on the use and application of specialist research equipment, instruments and techniques. Build internal and external contacts and participate in networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.

Essential Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD, and 1 or more years of experience in projects that involve electrophysiology preferably and/or behavior experiments. Cephalopod experience is not essential.

Preferred Qualifications: Ideally, a background in neuroethology, neuroscience or biological engineering, an experience with multi-electrode recording experiments in behaving or anaesthetized animals and be able to analyze such data to explain patterns of motor control. Familiar with animal dissection, histology and animal behavior and animal tracking methods. Postgraduate teaching experience in neurobiology, behavior, anatomy and experience in supervising undergraduate and PhD students.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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