The Cohen Lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota seeks a Research Pro 1 to support lab research and operations. The position includes work with mice, including surgeries, colony maintenance, measurements of brain activity and behavior, and other biological assays. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, with experience in standard lab techniques. The position will be open starting in the fall of 2026 (start date is flexible).
Lab overview
We aim to understand how the nervous system learns and makes decisions in dynamic environments. We are currently studying the structure and function of neurons that release monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and histamine). These make up less than one-thousandth of one percent of our neurons, yet they broadcast their signals to most of the brain. Many disorders of the nervous system, including Alzheimer's, depression, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease, appear to involve dysfunction of monoaminergic signaling. Using anatomical techniques, cell-type-specific neurophysiology, theory, computation, and well-controlled behavioral tasks in mice, we aim to understand the functions of monoaminergic neurons and their targets throughout the brain. We anticipate that these basic discoveries will lead to an understanding of the biology of the nervous system and better treatments for its disorders.
We strive to make the lab a place of belonging, personal growth, and development. The best scientific environments include people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to the development and career growth of every lab member. For prior work from the lab, see https://www.jeremiahcohen.com/
Responsibilities
Research (50%)
Collaborate with team members to perform and document experiments and procedures, including mouse surgery, transcardial perfusion, tissue collection, measurements of brain activity and behavior, and molecular biology assays
Lab operations (50%)
Collaborate with team members to maintain lab operations, including mouse colony maintenance, stocks of reagents and supplies, and instrument maintenance