The Agrawal Lab in the School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech is seeking a Research Scientist to join our team. The Agrawal lab studies neural circuits underlying flexible motor control by utilizing the compact genetic model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. We use a variety of cutting-edge techniques, including quantitative behavior with machine vision-based tracking, optogenetics, in vivo electrophysiology and 2-photon imaging, and EM-based circuit reconstruction.

Specifically, we are interested in how animals use proprioceptive sensory information to navigate and move through an often unpredictable world. Proprioception is an animal’s sense of the position and movement of its body, and it is essential for coordinated movement across the animal kingdom. Projects in the lab include understanding how proprioceptive information is relayed to the brain to integrate with motor planning, examining how neural circuits integrate wing and leg proprioceptive information in the insect CNS, and exploring how vibration sensing via the legs mediates courtship and other behaviors. See the lab website (https://www.agrawalneurolab.com/) for more details and other potential projects.

This position is for two years with possibilities for extension. The research scientist will be responsible for directing, planning, and executing projects in collaboration with Dr. Agrawal. They will have the opportunity to publish first-author papers, contribute to related projects as co-authors, and present their work at national and international conferences and institutions. As a new lab, the position will have the opportunity for lots of interaction and mentorship from Dr. Agrawal as well as opportunities to mentor other junior scientists. Dr. Agrawal is committed to providing all members of the lab with scientific training and mentorship to help them pursue their career goals.

Applicant must have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., biology, neuroscience, computational neuroscience, controls, engineering) and a curiosity and enthusiasm for science. Basic programming skills in Matlab or Python are highly desirable. Interested applicants should apply online at www.jobs.vt.edu. Please include a current Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research Interests, and the contact information of three (3) references.