We seek a postdoctoral fellow to join an investigative team at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Intramural Research Program (IRP), Electrophysiology Research Section, located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus in Baltimore, Maryland. A central focus of the laboratory is on the neurobiological function of endogenous cannabinoids in reward circuits, but a broad approach to addiction research is also emphasized. Thus, we are also studying cocaine sensitization and addiction using molecular and functional approaches, as well as the consequences of drug use on synaptic plasticity in brain reward circuits. Current studies are also utilizing a novel ventral tegmental area (VTA) preparation in which subcortical pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) inputs to VTA dopamine (DA) neurons have been preserved, permitting the study of discrete synaptic pathways using synaptic biophysics and pharmacology (see Good and Lupica, 2009, J Physiol 587:1233-1247). Future research projects will include the use of whole-cell electrophysiology in VTA DA neurons in brain slices combined with laser-photolysis of caged molecules and confocal microscopy.

The current position will involve collecting electrophysiological data in brain slices. Thus, the ideal candidate will have recently completed a Ph.D. and will have some level of expertise in electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, and/or the behavioral analysis of drug addiction. The successful candidate will also participate in the planning and execution of experiments, and will have opportunities to present original findings at national conferences. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Carl Lupica, Chief of the Electrophysiology Research Section in the Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch. Dr. Lupica, as well as senior postdoctoral fellows and Staff Scientists will provide training and mentor the successful candidate.

To apply, click on the button below. For further information, please contact Dr. Carl Lupica at (443) 740-2824 or clupica@mail.nih.gov.


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This charge has two critical components. The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination and use of the results of that research to significantly improve prevention, treatment and policy as it relates to drug abuse and addiction.