Postdoctoral Fellow – Neural Circuits of Reinforcement Learning and Affective Bias

Shabel Laboratory
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas

The Shabel Laboratory at UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the neural mechanisms of reinforcement learning and affective bias. Current projects include:

• Neural mechanisms of reward prediction error and optimistic/pessimistic expectations. This project investigates the synaptic and circuit mechanisms through which habenula-related pathways shape dopamine reward prediction error signals and optimistic and pessimistic reward expectations using mouse behavioral, circuit, and neural recording approaches.
• Habenula GPCR function and therapeutic potential. This project investigates the function of a habenula-enriched G protein-coupled receptor and its potential as a therapeutic target for disorders involving altered motivation and affect.

Additional information about current research directions and publications can be found at https://www.shabellab.org/.

Research Opportunities

Depending on the fellow’s interests, experience, and research direction, approaches may include:

• In vivo calcium or other optical imaging
• In vivo electrophysiology
• Slice electrophysiology
• Fiber photometry
• Optogenetic and chemogenetic circuit manipulation
• Quantitative and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data

The position offers substantial flexibility to develop new questions within the broader areas of reinforcement learning, habenula function, and dopamine-related circuitry. The fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research directions and to acquire new technical and conceptual expertise.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is ~ November 1, 2026.

Applicants should have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience or a related field. Experience in rodent behavior and one or more of the previously listed methods is preferred but not required.

Interested applicants should upload a curriculum vitae, a brief statement describing research interests, previous experience, and future goals, and contact information for three references.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/