Position Summary
The research group led by Dr. Gina Leinninger in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University is currently accepting applications for a full-time postdoctoral Research Associate – Fixed Term. The Leinninger Lab's focus is on understanding how neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) contribute to energy balance and obesity. The goal of our lab is to understand how discrete neuronal populations in the LHA contribute to energy balance and physiology as a whole. We utilize novel mouse models, state-of-the art neuronal tract tracing and neuronal regulation techniques to interrogate LHA neurons and their role in physiology. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong desire to advance scientific projects to join our team.
Responsibilities will include:
- Data analysis of calcium imaging and behavior data to understand how LHA Neurotensin neurons contribute to ingestive behavior and pain processing.
- Making figures and writing a manuscript to disseminate the data to the scientific community.
The candidate will have extensive opportunities to publish, and access to exceptional resources to facilitate their independent research.
The position provides salary commensurate with experience. The salary range has been established by NIH guidelines. You can review them at https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Michigan State University and the Leinninger Lab provide generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
This is a limited-term position funded for 9 months from the date of hire with extension contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding. Review of applications will begin as soon as the position is posted and continue until the position is filled. This position will require successful completion of standard background checks and is remote work friendly.
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
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must have obtained a Ph.D. degree in the field of biological sciences, biomedical sciences or related before the first day of employment. The candidate must have evidence of prior productive scientific work in publications in peer-reviewed journals. Candidate must have a record of hands-on research experience in the specific research area, specifically with performing in vivo calcium imaging experiments and analyzing data from them. The candidate must also be able to demonstrate that they are detail oriented, highly self-motivated, organized, and enthusiastic to work both individually and as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Scientific achievements demonstrated by peer-reviewed research publications
- Excellent and effective communication skills
- Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote inclusion and multicultural perspectives and develop and foster trust in a culture of collaboration
Required Application Materials
- Resume/CV
- A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
- Cover Letter
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
03/08/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
Home - Department of Physiology
Department Statement
Department Statement:
The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. 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 the 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.
