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The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine's Department of Physiology and Cell Biology is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in cellular and molecular biology. A fully-funded position is immediately available to investigate mechanisms controlling motility in the lower esophageal sphincter, namely how tone is generated and maintained and how this activity is modulated by inhibitory and excitatory motor inputs. This project involves the use of isometric tension recording, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, cell dispersion for FACS and qPCR, RNAscope and protein expression analyses (Jess electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry).

The major responsibilities of this position include:

• Execution and design of experiments to determine the gene and protein expression profile of cells within the SIP syncytium (smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, PDGFRa+ cells).
• Execution and design of experiments to evaluate calcium signaling in smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal.
• Relate molecular and calcium signaling findings to contractile behaviors of the tissue.
• Contributing to timely experimental execution, data collection, and rigorous data analysis.
• Reporting experimental findings in written publications and oral presentations, incorporating own findings with the existing published literature.
• Generating preliminary data for future grant proposals.
• Working towards developing an independent research career.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in cellular/molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience or relevant field, acquired within five years of start date
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (qPCR, western blot), immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry and fluorescence imaging (confocal immunofluorescence, live imaging) techniques, statistical analyses and figure preparation.
• Strong organizational skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare drafts of manuscripts for publication.
• Capacity to work on projects independently and collaboratively.
• Goal-oriented motivation towards solving fundamental questions in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing first author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals in the field of cellular or molecular biology.
• Knowledge of tissue dissection, genotyping, single cell/nuclei or bulk RNA sequencing, cell/tissue culture, cell transfection and/or ELISA is highly desirable but not essential.

Compensation Grade

Postdoc

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter

3) Three professional references (include name, title, company/organization, email address, phone number)

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med)

For over 50 years the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) has trained physicians who are leading the way to 'A Healthy Nevada', nation, and world. Community-based and research-intensive, UNR Med is committed to our mission. We show this commitment through our demonstrated core values: people are our strength, we innovate and improve, we serve with integrity, and we success with trust and respect.

Our mission has guided our growth in graduating the next generation of primary and specialty care physicians and medical researchers while maintaining personalized instruction. The School of Medicine has statewide outreach with a local touch providing patient care, health services, and training physicians in Reno, Nevada and in the state’s rural communities. We are expanding provider education to train medical specialists as Medical Doctors as well as Speech Pathologists and Physician Assistants. We are actively expanding technologically-advanced infrastructure to keep pace with our world-class research to meet the needs of students, patients, and researchers. We seek to create an environment that serves all who enter our doors, from the physicians who teach our learners to our employees, patients, and students.

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine