Director Animal Behavior Jobs in Springfield, IL

Salary: $5,083.33 - $5,591.67 Monthly
Location : Springfield, IL
Job Type: Postdoc
Job Number: 2401335
Department: Pharmacology-SMS
Division: Research and Education
Opening Date: 09/05/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Shift: Days
ExemptorNon_Exempt: Exempt
SMS/SWS#: 3731
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Description
The Postdoctoral Fellow will perform independent and/or directed research activities to fulfill the
aims of two laboratories' NIH-funded grants under the direction of two laboratory Principle
Investigator (PI), Drs. Don Caspary and Ben Richardson () in the Department
of Pharmacology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. Broadly, this
laboratory addresses issues in understanding neural circuits and their role in disease using a
multi-level state-of-the-art approach. The primary activities of the Fellow will be to perform whole
cell electrophysiology, in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavioral assays, viral injections in
rodents, microscopy, and training of students and laboratory staff.
The main role of the Fellow is to design and execute studies aimed at understanding the
neurological basis of altered synaptic function in the auditory midbrain with aging and in
neurodevelopmental disorder animal models, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parallel to
physiological studies, a transgenic approach will be used to determine how cellular level changes
may lead to disrupted motor and non-motor behaviors. Finally, the fellow may contribute to in vivo
recording studies in wildtype and mutant mice to determine how cellular and synaptic level
changes affect activity of the cerebellar circuit in vivo.
The position is one year in duration and will be renewed annually based on Fellow performance
and funding availability.
Examples of Duties
I. Administration 10 %
1. Help obtain information relevant to making purchase decisions.
2. Direct the management and genotyping of the animal colony in conjunction with
research staff.
3. Help order approved laboratory supplies and reagents.
4. Assist with scheduling experiments, laboratory equipment usage and availability.
II. Teaching 15 %
1. Assist in training students and laboratory staff.
III. Research 75 %
1. Conduct investigator-initiated and independent research projects under the
general supervision of the PI or in conjunction with graduate students.
2. Perform and design electrophysiology recordings from model system central
nervous system.
3. Perform and design survival viral injection surgery in rodents.
4. Perform or direct histological preparation (including microscopy) and
neurochemical procedures consistent with the project.
5. Prepare reagents used for experiments with accuracy and consistency.
6. Perform data reduction and analysis and preparation for oral and written
dissemination.
7. Maintain detailed records of laboratory work performed.
IV. Service 0%
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in an appropriate field (e.g. pharmacology, biology, neuroscience, etc.).
Experience in electrophysiology.
Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in data analysis and preparation for publication.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivated, well-organized, detail-oriented, displays initiative.
Ability to work well in a team and independently.
Previous experience working with mice or rats.
Supplemental Information
If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.
The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.
Pre-employment background screenings required.
Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service
Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill
Health, Dental, and Life insurance
Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.
Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars
Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).
Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement
Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees
Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times
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