Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Neuroscience

The Midavaine Laboratory investigates how sex hormones, reproductive states, and immune signals reshape the nervous system to regulate pain, sensory function, and reproductive physiology. We work at the intersection of neuroscience, endocrinology, immunology, and reproductive biology to understand why pain and sensory processing differ between females and males, how physiological states such as pregnancy remodel neural circuits, and how maternal experiences can shape sensory function across generations.

Our long-term goal is to uncover the molecular and circuit mechanisms that make the female nervous system dynamically adaptable-and to leverage these mechanisms to develop new therapeutic strategies for chronic pain and disorders of sensory and reproductive function.

A central theme of the lab is hormone-dependent plasticity of sensory neurons. Our recent work established that meningeal regulatory T cells inhibit nociception in female mice through an enkephalin--opioid receptor pathway that is dependent on ovarian hormones (Midavaine et al., Science, 2025). Building on this discovery, we are investigating how hormonal transitions reshape this circuit and reprogram sensory neurons, spinal glia, and brain circuits across the lifespan, from development through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Representative publication: Midavaine E, Moraes BC, Benitez J, et al. Meningeal regulatory T cells inhibit nociception in female mice. Science 388:96-104 (2025).

The lab combines mouse genetics, neuroendocrine manipulation, single-cell and spatial genomics, epigenomics, in vivo calcium imaging, whole-organ and whole-brain imaging, molecular pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience to investigate neural plasticity from molecules and cells to integrated sensory circuits.

The Midavaine Lab is recruiting multiple Postdoctoral Associates to drive independent, high-impact projects in neuroendocrinology, neuroimmunology and reproductive neuroscience. Postdocs will design and lead their own experimental programs while contributing to the collaborative life of the lab. Each position is structured to move the trainee toward scientific independence.
We value intellectual independence, collaboration, and scientific curiosity. Trainees will have opportunities to develop new technical expertise, pursue independent funding, publish high-impact work, and build the scientific foundation for an independent research program.
Our lab is particularly interested in creating an environment where researchers from different disciplines can come together to ask questions that cannot be answered from a single perspective. By integrating hormonal physiology, immune signaling, and neural plasticity, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms governing sex differences in pain and sensory function and translate these discoveries into new approaches to human health.

Potential Start Date: January 2027

Responsibilities:

Research and experimentation: 70%
* Design, perform, analyze, and interpret experiments spanning neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, genomics, imaging, and behavior.
* Develop and troubleshoot new techniques and models; drive projects forward with scientific independence and rigor.

Laboratory resource management and record-keeping: 10%
* Maintain accurate, contemporaneous laboratory records and electronic notebooks.
* Manage reagents, protocols, equipment, and shared resources; support mouse colony and data organization.

Lab and scientific community: 5%
* Attend and present at lab meetings, journal clubs, and relevant departmental, collaborative, and institutional meetings.
Scientific writing: 15%
* Write and contribute to manuscripts, papers, their own grant applications, and fellowship proposals.

Required Qualifications (must be outlined on resume):
* PhD in neuroscience, or a related discipline, completed or expected before the start date.
* Demonstrated research productivity and the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
* Strong written and verbal scientific communication.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience in one or more of: sensory neuroscience, mouse genetics, reproductive biology, single-cell or spatial genomics, in vivo imaging, cellular/molecular immunology, or GPCR signaling.
* Quantitative and data-analysis skills (e.g., R, Python) and experience with genomics or imaging pipelines.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School. The Medical School and related healthcare professional schools are grouped under the Academic Health Center.

The Mission of the Department of Neuroscience

1. Conduct outstanding neuroscience research.
2. Be an educational resource to the Medical School and the University by providing neuroscience education to undergraduate, medical, dental, graduate, and post-graduate students.
3. Provide leadership and be a focal point for the strengthening of neuroscience across the University by enhancing research, educational, and funding opportunities.
4. Intentionally improve inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and actively supporting historically marginalized researchers, students, and neuroscience community members.
5. Provide a bridge for the transfer of advances in basic neuroscience into clinical practice with the goal of improving the health of the people of Minnesota.
6. Enhance the understanding and appreciation of neuroscience by the people of Minnesota.

Pay Range: $63,480 to $77,076 (NIH stipend levels); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.