University of Wyoming: Graduate Student Position

Posted on July 11, 2022
Expires: October 11, 2022

The Bedford and Nelson Labs in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming invite applications to fill multiple graduate student positions working in the field of behavioral neuroscience, starting Fall 2022 or Spring 2023.

We are seeking candidates for both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees and will accept applications through the Neuroscience and Zoology & Physiology graduate student programs at the University of Wyoming (see links below). Both positions combine Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.

http://www.uwyo.edu/neuroscience/

http://www.uwyo.edu/zoology/grad_degrees/

The Nelson and Bedford labs seek to address how neural circuits control behavior using techniques such as automated behavioral analysis, genetics, circuit characterization, and in vivo recording and manipulation of neural activity.

The Bedford Lab works at the intersection of evolutionary biology and systems neuroscience to understand the genetic and neural basis of behavior. As a model neural circuit, we use voluntary micturition, or the decision of when and where to urinate. Micturition is an essential physiological process that expels waste and maintains water balance, but many species also use urine marks as a form of social communication. Both laboratory and wild mice show considerable natural variation in aggression, territoriality, and scent marking behavior. We combine laboratory and field studies to uncover how differences in micturition arise both within and among species. See more at https://thebedfordlab.com/

The Nelson Lab addresses, from a genetic and neural perspective, how the brain integrates sensory and physiological information to control coordinated behavior in a group setting. A major focus of the lab is to understand the neural circuits that underlie huddling—a coordinated prosocial group behavior—in small groups of mice. We combine automated analysis of behavior over long periods, neural activity mapping, in vivo neural recording and manipulation, and genetic models of neuropsychiatric diseases associated with impairments in social communication. See more at https://www.nelsonlabuwyoming.com/

Description of Responsibilities:

Research: The graduate student will undertake an independent research project in the field of behavioral neuroscience; work with the Primary Investigators (Dr. Nelson and/or Dr. Bedford) to write competitive grant applications for internal and external funding; complete the academic course of study outlined in the program requirements; prepare research products for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; present work at scientific conferences.

Teaching: The graduate student will serve as a teaching assistant approximately every-other-semester, less if independent funding is secured.

Required Qualifications: M.S. applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or related field by time of appointment; Ph.D. applicants will have a bachelor’s or master’s degree by time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with molecular biology techniques, neuroscience techniques, microscopy, animal husbandry, computer programming, and/or statistics is preferred.

To Apply Submit:

  1. Cover letter describing interest and qualifications for position (1-2 pages)
  2. CV/Resume
  3. Research Statement (1 page)
  4. Contact information for three professional references

Please e-mail all 4 documents listed above to both:

Dr. Nicole Bedford nbedford@uwyo.edu

Dr. Adam Nelson Adam.Nelson@uwyo.edu

Candidates are required to submit all application documents listed under “To Apply Submit”. Your application will only be accessible for consideration once all required documents have been submitted. Review Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

HIRING STATEMENT:

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/

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