The Taub Institute at the Columbia University Medical Center is currently seeking an Associate Research Scientist.  Our research studies show activity leads to functional and structural alterations in neuronal microcircuits and how these enable learning and memory. The long lasting storage of information requires local activation of signaling events and structural changes which together allow for synaptic plasticity that can last a lifetime. We leverage the power of mouse genetics to understand how mutations leading to human disorders underlie changes in synaptic learning rules across the lifespan, from Autism to Alzheimer's Disease.

The successful candidate will join us for a fully funded position and will apply advanced optical methods (such as 2-photon microscopy, glutamate uncaging, calcium imaging) to manipulate and follow activity at single or groups of dendritic spines ex vivo, as well as identify corresponding functional changes through a variety of cutting edge biochemical approaches. The project combines several techniques for the optical probing of local hippocampal (and other) circuits with the ultimate goal of determining what are the fundamental units of learning and identifying critical points of dysfunction in neuronal connections. The candidate will be required to analyze and report data, and contribute to grant writing. Additional responsibilities include general laboratory management duties such as ordering, mouse colony management, and supervision of trainees. This includes assistance with ongoing projects where needed.

The Israely Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function is located at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center in the city of New York. We are a part of the Department of Pathology & Cell Biology and the Department of Neuroscience, in the Taub Institute on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain.

Our lab has ongoing collaborations with many outstanding neuroscientists within the Columbia community, including within the Taub Institute, the Center for Translational Neuroscience Initiative, and at the Zuckerman Institute for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (of which we are an affiliate lab).

For consideration and more information, qualified applicants should send a cover letter detailing their background, current work, and future research interests, along with a CV and references to ii2176@columbia.edu.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated holder of a PhD degree, with experience in at least one or more fields of: neuroscience, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, biomedical or optical engineering or similar disciplines.  Applicants with backgrounds in related fields (such as physics or computer science) with an interest in neuroscience are encouraged to apply.

The candidate must be able to work independently, be proactive in solving problems, and contribute towards building an exciting scientific environment with positive leadership skills. Good communication and writing skills are essential.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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