The Mello lab (Dept. Behavioral Neuroscience) uses zebra finches, a songbird, as a model organism to study the neurobiology of vocal learning. We employ methods in molecular biology, functional and comparative genomics, neuroanatomy, ethology, acoustic analysis and bioinformatics to study how their specialized vocal brain circuitry enables male zebra finches to produce complex song patterns. We also study how these birds learn their song guided by auditory feedback, similar to how infants acquire speech and language skills. The lab maintains a website (ZEBrA: www.zebrafinchatlas.org) with a brain gene expression atlas of relevance to vocal function and for comparative studies. We have strong collaborative ties with the von Gersdorff (Vollum) lab to study neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the song circuitry using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in slices. Our recent work has focused on excitatory projection neurons in song nucleus RA, an area analogous to the human laryngeal motor cortex.

 

The Mello lab is recruiting a postdoc to investigate the genetic, cellular and hormonal bases of the sexual dimorphism of song nucleus RA in zebra finches, a species where females do not sing. This position is supported by an R01 from the NIH/NINDS. Planned studies include functional and single cell transcriptomics, analyses of effects of sex, age and learning condition on brain gene expression patterns, hormone- and viral-based manipulations through stereotaxic brain injections, and song acoustic analysis, with opportunities to collaborate in studies of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in slices using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. We are looking for a talented and motivated individual who will excel in a small but tight-knit and highly collaborative environment.

• Planning and designing research experiments.
• Collecting, processing and analyzing data, including statistical analyses, presentation of project results, preparing written documents (abstracts, manuscripts) on results, contributing to preparation of grant proposals to federal funding agencies and private foundations (including NRSA application, if applicable), and helping train new staff and/or students in related research tasks as applicable.
• Presenting data at meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to management of zebra finch colony during breeding.

• PhD, MD or MD/PhD in relevant field.
• 3 years of lab experience as a graduate student. 
• Knowledge of experimental design and animal handling.
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently once trained.

• Ph. D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genetics or related fields.

• 3.5-5 years of lab experience in areas like neuroscience, molecular biology or genetics.

• Experience with transcriptomics (e.g. bulk and/or snRNA-seq).

• Experience with in situ hybridization and/or qPCR.

• Use of viral vectors for manipulating brain gene expression.

• Stereotaxic or other animal surgery.

• Relevant programming skills (e.g. R, python).

• Familiarity with the songbird model.

   

Work is 40 hours per week, normal working hours; some evening and weekend work may be necessary on occasion.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.