A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Please note: This position is term-limited to 1 year.

The laboratory of Peng Li at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a Research Investigator to lead a project studying the neural regulation of breathing in various physiological and behavioral states. The primary objectives include in vivo recording of breathing control neurons and their optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation in freely moving mice. Additionally, viral circuit tracing will be employed to examine inputs to these neurons. We are looking for extensive expertise and research experience in optogenetics and chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging and neural recording, neural anatomy, rodent survival surgeries, confocal microscopy, and physiological recording. Beyond conducting experiments, the individual will oversee research activities performed by students and research technicians. The individual will report directly to Dr. Peng Li and will work full-time onsite.
 

The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures, and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale. With a diverse community of inquisitive minds and exceptional tools, we are a catalyst for breakthrough discoveries.

For more information on the Li laboratory: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/li-lab
 

Experimental responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with others to design experiments
• Utilize advanced neurogenetic techniques, including optogenetics and chemogenetics
• Perform in vivo calcium recording and imaging in freely behaving rodents
• Conduct survival rodent surgeries, including AAV injection, fiber optic implantation, and EEG/EMG recording
• Conduct data analysis on breathing and electrophysiological recording
• Perform tissue processing, immunostaining, and confocal imaging
• Manage the transgenic mouse colony
• Troubleshoot and resolve experimental challenges as they arise
   

Non-experimental responsibilities will include:

• Provide consultation and advice to lab members in areas of expertise
• Train lab members in essential laboratory techniques
• Maintain clear and accurate laboratory notebooks
• Document experiments in detail to ensure reproducibility
• Adhere to laboratory best practices for safety and quality
• Assist in project management
• Assist PI in preparing manuscripts and grants
• Maintain stock reagents in the lab, including AAV stocks
• Assist in maintaining shared lab responsibilities
   

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, or related discipline
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in rodent surgeries, including stereotactic injection, 
    fiber optic implantation, EEG/EMG probe implantation, rodent behavioral tests
• Minimum 3 years of experience using in vivo calcium imaging and recording
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing transgenic mouse colony
• Minimum 3 years of experience mentoring students and research staff
• Strong publication record in relevant work
• Prior experience working in a collaborative environment
   

• Minimum 2 years of experience in electrophysiology
• Minimum 2 years of experience in respiratory physiology
   

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

All applications for this position must be received by 11:59pm on February 27th, 2025.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.