Research Associate to study mechanisms of Experience-dependent Plasticity of excitatory synapses

Xu lab is seeking a highly motivated and independent Research Associate to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying experience-dependent refinement of excitatory circuits using a combination of electrophysiology, molecular biology, imaging, and behavioral approaches.

Xu lab is interested in understanding how experience modifies the neural circuit to achieve information processing and storage in the brain, during development, and learning and memory; and the dysfunction thereof in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. We focus on the experience-dependent plasticity of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system, the cellular substrate for circuit and behavioral learning and memory. We use transgenic and viral vector-mediated techniques to manipulate candidate genes in rodents, combined with behavioral, biochemical, cell biological, and electrophysiological approaches to interrogate the role of the candidate genes and their specific molecular interactions in mediating experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, and the behavioral consequences caused by the manipulations. Many of the key players of our studies are implicated in schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, addictive disorders, mental retardation, and neurodegeneration. Thus results from our studies are anticipated to provide novel therapeutic substrates for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Qualification: Ph.D. in Neuroscience or other neuroscience-related disciplines. 3+ years experience with electrophysiology in mouse visual cortex and hippocampus, stereotaxic surgery, molecular biology, and animal behavior. One or more first-author publications/submissions in peer-reviewed journals.

Candidates will benefit from the outstanding lab environment and the highly collaborative Neuroscience community at the University of Pittsburgh. The candidate will be expected to present their research work at national and international scientific meetings and will be encouraged to apply for postdoctoral fellowships and grants to facilitate a pathway to independence.

The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to building and fostering a culturally diverse environment, so the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community is essential.

Relevant literature:

a. Xu W, Lwel S, Schlter OM. Silent Synapse-Based Mechanisms of Critical Period Plasticity (2020). Front Cell Neurosci.* 14:213. PMID: 32765222 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00213 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2020.00213

b. Han KS, Cooke SF, and Xu W. Experience-dependent equilibration of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission during the critical period (2017). Cell Reports 18: 892-904 PMID: 28122240 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.084 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.084

c. Hwang H, Szucs MJ, Ding LJ, Allen, A, Ren X, Haensgen H, Gao F, Andrade A, Pan JQ, Carr SA, Amhad R, and Xu W. Neurogranin, encoded by the schizophrenia risk gene NRGN, bidirectionally modulates synaptic plasticity via calmodulin-dependent regulation of the neuronal phosphoroteome (2021). Biol. Psych. 89:256-169 PMID: 33032807 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.07.014 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.07.014

If interested, please send a letter of intent, CV, and contact information of 2-3 references to weifeng.xu@pitt.edu

Additional required documents; at least two letters of reference should be sent by the recommenders to weifeng.xu@pitt.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse work orces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

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