The lab of Stephen Back, M.D., Ph.D. at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, in close collaboration with the laboratories of Jacob Raber, Ph.D.at OHSU and of Cecily Bishop, Ph.D.  at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon, is seeking a candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to study the effects of fetal and neonatal intermittent cerebral hypoxemia on brain development.  The lab currently has NIH funding for studies to explore the sequelae of maternal sleep apnea on fetal and postnatal brain development.  Despite the fact that maternal sleep apnea commonly occurs in roughly 20-40% of human pregnancies, the long-term impact on brain development and neurobehavior is unknown.  Studies are currently underway in a fetal ovine model to understand the effects of maternal intermittent hypoxia using a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes high field ex vivo MRI, hippocampal electrophysiology and neuronal morphometric studies to define the impact of maternal intermittent hypoxia on fetal brain development.  All of these approaches are well established in the lab (see for example: Sci Transl Med 5(168):168ps2, 2013; Journal of Neuroscience, 39(40):7853-7871, 2019).  The position will involve complementary pioneering studies to be conducted both at OHSU and OSU to study the postnatal neurobehavioral effects of intermittent maternal hypoxia during pregnancy on the offspring as neonates and young adults. 

 

• PhD with a strong background in neuroscience. 
• Solid experience with large animal handling for experimental studies is required.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, be enthusiastic about their work, and be highly motivated to succeed in a multi-disciplinary/multi-collaborator/two institute setting that provides a wealth of unique opportunities in translational neuroscience research in the U.S.. Flexibility to perform research in Portland and Corvallis as part of this project.

• Solid training in behavioral neuroscience at the doctoral level is ideal.
• The ideal candidate for this position will have direct experience with sheep, including monitoring the health and well-being of the animals.
• Some maternal or fetal surgical experience would be ideal but is not necessarily required.
• Experience with the acquisition and analysis of behavioral data from large animals would be preferred.
• Computer-assisted neurobehavioral analysis, and statistical analysis of large data sets would be preferred.
• Possession of a driving license preferred but not an absolute requirement.

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Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.