Postdoctoral Fellowship in Behavioural Neuroscience

São Paulo, Brazil – Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)

The laboratory of Prof. Deborah Suchecki, at the Department of Psychobiology of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral position in Behavioural Neuroscience, funded through a FAPESP fellowship.

This opportunity is part of the thematic research project:
“Resilience and vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders induced during neurodevelopment: the role of neuroinflammation.”

About the Position

The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship, which includes:

• Monthly stipend of R$ 12,570
• Additional research contingency funds (10% of the annual fellowship value)

The position is open to candidates of any nationality.

Research Focus

The project aims to investigate the effects of chronic sleep restriction during pregnancy on offspring, particularly:

• Anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors
• Vulnerability profiles linked to stress
• Neuroinflammatory mechanisms

The study will explore key neurobiological markers, including:

• Kynurenine pathway balance
• Astrocyte and microglia activation
• Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines

Additionally, the role of environmental enrichment will be evaluated under these conditions.

Techniques Involved

The research will involve a range of experimental and molecular techniques, including:

• Multiplex analysis
• ELISA
• Western blot
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunofluorescence

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will be actively involved in all stages of the project, including:

• Animal care (pregnant rats and offspring)
• Behavioral testing (anxiety and depression models)
• Sample collection (blood, organs, brain tissue)
• Analysis of biological and behavioral data

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Requirements

Mandatory:

• PhD in Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology, Psychobiology, or related field
• Experience working with rat models
• Proven expertise in:
  • Animal handling (including neonatal care)
  • Molecular techniques (ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence)
  • Brain dissection
  • Statistical analysis

Desirable:

• At least two first-author publications in indexed Behavioural Neuroscience journals

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

1. Curriculum Summary (FAPESP model)
2. Proof of previous experience (publications)
3. Letter of interest (including technical skills)
4. Recommendation letter from PhD advisor

📅 Application deadline: April 26, 2026

📩 Applications should be sent to:
deborah.suchecki21@unifesp.br

Why Apply?

This is a strong opportunity to join a leading research group in behavioural neuroscience and contribute to cutting-edge work on stress, neurodevelopment, and mental health.

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