The Mishra lab aims to discover the mechanisms underlying neurovascular coupling in healthy physiology and its dysfunction in neurological disease, with particular focus on ischemic stroke. The candidate for this postdoctoral position will lead a project investigating how the astrocyte syncytium, formed by gap junctions between astrocytes, regulates both neuronal activity and neurovascular coupling. The candidate will also study the role of various astrocytic calcium signaling pathways, including those involving gap junctions, in mediating neurovascular impairment after stroke. The ideal candidate will have expertise in performing ex vivo neurovascular coupling assays, electrophysiological recordings, confocal imaging of calcium signaling, immunofluorescence, viral injections, and transgenic colony management. They will also have excellent, up-to-date knowledge of astrocyte biology and neurovascular coupling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms by which healthy and reactive astrocytes function and modulate neurovascular coupling is highly preferred.

 

The successful candidate will be responsible for experimental design, data collection and analysis, interpretation, reading the pertinent literature, writing manuscripts for publication, and generally leading the project under the guidance of the PI. 

 

The postdoctoral scholar will also facilitate lab organization, participate in lab meetings, attend research seminars and journal clubs, present their work at national/international conferences, assist in writing grant applications, and help supervise/mentor research assistants and graduate students in the lab.

 

Experience in mouse genetics, animal surgery, and western blotting, in vivo 2 photon or MRI imaging, and behavioral assessment are further optional criteria. A willingness to learn and passion for scientific inquiry are a must!

• Ph.D. in neuroscience with experience in astrocyte biology and neurovascular coupling
• Experience with:

1. Animal handing
2. Creating and maintaining laboratory SOPs
3. Data analysis using appropriate statistical tools
4. Writing and publishing manuscripts
5. Experience with neurovascular coupling assay, electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, and viral injection techniques

• Ability to work independently on a scientific project, multitask and keep good records
• Willingness to work co-operatively with other lab members as part of a team
• Willingness to mentor junior researchers
• Attention to detail, observational acumen

• Deep knowledge of healthy and reactive astrocytes in neurovascular coupling
• Experience mentoring junior researchers and graduate students

 

The job will require working in a standard biological laboratory and handling some harmful chemicals (with proper PPE and safety instructions).

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.