Interested in sex differences, hormones, plasticity, and behavior relevant to mental illness? Join our growing team and gain experience in a multidisciplinary, fun, and dynamic research environment. Email Dr. Lucas at elizabethlucas@uabmc.edu for details on the following open positions:
Doctoral Student
We are accepting rotating graduate students interested in joining the lab in 2024-2025.
Postdoctoral Fellow
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to lead a project on estrous cycle regulation of an amygdala microcircuit guiding valence processing in mice. This multidisciplinary project integrates whole-cell in vitro physiology, in vivo calcium imaging and optogenetics, pharmacology, genetics, and behavior. We offer a supportive environment and mentorship tailored to professional goals. Minimum compensation follows NIH scale, and relocation packages are available. UAB postdoctoral fellows are eligible for full benefits, including retirement, and UAB recently launched the Brain-PRIME competitive neuroscience postdoc recruitment initiative. Email Dr. Lucas <elizabethlucas@uabmc.edu> to inquire.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduates wanting to gain hands-on research experience can join the Lucas Lab for research credit hours, as federal work-study students, or as volunteers. Undergraduates in the Lucas Lab will work closely with Dr. Lucas, a postdoctoral researcher, or a graduate student to complete independent research projects that contribute to the larger goals of the lab. Undergraduate researchers will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as mouse behavior, biochemistry, microscopy, molecular biology, and applied data analysis. Undergraduate researchers are expected to attend and contribute to weekly lab meetings. Interested students should meet the following criteria before applying to work in the Lucas Lab: (1) Sophomore year or higher, (2) 3.3 GPA or higher, (3) willingness to commit at least 15 hours/week in the lab for at least two consecutive semesters, which may include working on some nights and weekends, and (4) an understanding, respect, and acceptance of the use of live animals in research. Interested students are encouraged to read this article about getting the most out of an undergraduate research experience.
