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Postdoctoral Associate in Corticospinal Circuit Biology, Stroke, and Transcriptomics (University of Pittsburgh)

The Department of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral candidate to join the laboratory of Dr. Vibhu Sahni. The laboratory investigates the molecular and developmental mechanisms that establish long-range corticofugal connectivity and determine how these circuits respond to injury and contribute to functional recovery. Using mouse models, viral tools, molecular profiling, transcriptomic approaches, and anatomical and computational analyses, the laboratory seeks to define the molecular programs that regulate corticospinal circuit organization, plasticity, and repair, with a particular emphasis on corticospinal tract responses following stroke and other forms of central nervous system injury.

The successful candidate will develop an independent research program while contributing to ongoing laboratory projects investigating the organization, injury response, plasticity, and regeneration of descending motor pathways. Current research focuses on understanding the molecular states and gene regulatory programs of corticospinal and related descending motor neuron populations, how these programs change following stroke and central nervous system injury, and how they can be manipulated to promote structural and functional recovery.

The candidate will employ a combination of mouse models of stroke and CNS injury, molecular biology, viral gene delivery, histology, microscopy, neural circuit tracing, transcriptomic profiling, and computational analysis. A major component of the position will involve transcriptomic and bioinformatic approaches, including single-cell and/or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics or spatial RNA-sequencing approaches, and integration of high-dimensional molecular, anatomical, and circuit-level datasets. Additional responsibilities include mentoring graduate and undergraduate trainees, participating in laboratory management, presenting research at national and international meetings, and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation. The successful applicant will join a vibrant neuroscience community at the University of Pittsburgh with extensive opportunities for collaboration across the Department of Neurobiology, the Center for Neuroscience, and affiliated research centers.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field. Demonstrated research expertise in corticospinal tract and/or descending motor circuit biology is required, with particular emphasis on stroke, CNS injury, neural plasticity, or circuit repair. Applicants must also have experience with transcriptomic approaches, including single-cell and/or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, and demonstrated experience with or strong expertise in spatial transcriptomics or spatial RNA-sequencing approaches. Experience with bioinformatic and computational analysis of large-scale sequencing datasets, including proficiency with R and/or Python, is required.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is additionally desirable: mouse models of ischemic stroke, including photothrombotic stroke; viral vector approaches; stereotaxic or microsurgical approaches targeting cortical, brainstem, or spinal circuits; quantitative neuroanatomy and analysis of corticospinal projections and connectivity; whole-brain or whole-spinal-cord volumetric imaging; and computational integration of transcriptomic and neuroanatomical datasets. Strong written and verbal communication skills, a demonstrated publication record, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are expected.

Interested candidates should attach a brief statement of research interests and CV to requisition #26004639.