Neuroscience Post-Doctoral Position
A post-doctoral position is immediately available for a candidate (MUST
BE A US CITIZEN OR PERMANENT RESIDENT) with an interest in substance
abuse in the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs within the Institute
of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina.
CDAP integrates the latest basic and clinical advances in alcohol and
drug abuse research with direct patient care and education. Thus, the
candidate will have a unique opportunity to interact with pre-clinical
and clinical researchers in the area of drug-dependence. We have
developed a variety of mouse models for examining issues related to
chronic alcohol and drug abuse (drug seeking behavior,
self-administration, withdrawal). We apply the latest molecular (RNAase
Protection Assays, Western Blot Analysis), electrophysiological
(single-cell recording, in vivo recording via implanted electrodes) and
behavioral methodologies (self-administration, drug discrimination,
seizure activity, Morris water maze, elevated plus maze, etc.) in
attempt to understand how alteration in neurotransmitter systems
(glutaminergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic, etc.) ultimately
affects behavior. Our ultimate goal is to use these approaches to
develop new effective pharmacotherapies for the treatment of substance
abuse.
Specifically in my laboratory, ongoing studies are examining the role of
nAChRs and other ligand-gated ion channels in mediating the effects of
nicotine and ethanol. Molecular and whole-cell electophysiological
recording techniques are being used to address the effect of acute and
chronic ethanol exposure on expression and function of ligand-gated ion
channels. These in vitro studies will provide a foundation for in vivo
viral-mediated gene expression studies using mouse behavioral models of
nicotine- and ethanol-dependence. The overall aim is to understand how
changes in ion channel function at the cellular level are related to
drug-seeking behavior. My laboratory contains a 1) mammalian
cell/neuron electrophysiology rig, 2) whole-cell Xenopus oocyte rig, 3)
tissue culture facility and 4) molecular biology facility.
The Medical University of South Carolina is located in downtown
Charleston. Charleston has a relatively low cost-of-living. The
weather is moderate in the winter and warm in the summer allowing for
outdoors recreational activities throughout the year (boating, golfing,
tennis, fishing).
Candidates should send a CV, names of three references and a brief
statement of research interests to:
Dr. Mark W. Nowak
Room 461N, Institute of Psychiatry
67 President Street
PO Box 250861
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC 29425
E-mail address: nowakm at musc.edu
MUSC is an equal opportunity employer.