Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-30035-390

Mount Sinai; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,500 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic medical center in New York seeks a researcher to investigate therapeutic interventions for cognitive disorders. As part of the team, you will conduct experiments using advanced recording techniques and collaborate with experts to advance understanding of Alzheimer's treatments. A PhD in a relevant field is required, along with experience in behavioral neuroscience and data analysis. The role offers competitive salary ranging from $72,500 to $80,000 annually, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Laboratory experience working in behavioral neuroscience, preferably with nonhuman primates.
• Analysis of behavioral and neural datasets.
• Strong interest in bridging basic circuit mechanisms and translational applications.

Responsibilities

• Leading complex experiments using large-scale Neuropixels recordings in behaving primates.
• Collaborating with world-renowned clinicians and experts in DBS.
• Mentoring junior lab members and assisting in the development of the research team.

Skills

Behavioral neuroscience experience

Data analysis

Proficiency in coding (C#, Arduino, bash)

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview

Description

Details of Research Project: How can neuroscience help us design and optimize treatments for devastating disorders of learning and memory? Our lab addresses this challenge by leveraging our experimental platform to understand, test, and optimize therapeutic interventions for cognitive disorders. This project focuses on fornix deep brain stimulation (DBS-f)—a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease currently in Phase III clinical trials. The mechanism of this therapy is not known. We will combine DBS-f with a large-scale recording platform to provide a mechanistic, circuit-level explanation for its effects, with the long-term goal of optimizing its clinical application.

Technical Duties: (include any protocols)

You will be a core driver of our lab’s scientific mission, leveraging our custom-built research platform to answer fundamental questions about how the brain transforms experience into memory. Beyond the bench, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application through our established network. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex experiments using large-scale Neuropixels recordings and patterned microstimulation (DBS) in behaving primates navigating immersive virtual reality environments.
• Collaborating directly with world-renowned clinicians and experts in DBS to translate circuit-level findings into frameworks for understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
• Investigating the circuit-level mechanisms of emerging therapies, specifically focusing on the effects of fornix DBS on neural computation.
• Mentoring junior lab members and assisting in the development of our growing research team.
• Presenting your findings at international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, Society for Neuroscience) and preparing manuscripts for high-impact publications.

Responsibilities

Experience Required:

• Laboratory experience working in behavioural neuroscience, preferably with nonhuman primates
• Analysis of behavioural and neural datasets
• Proficiency in coding (C#, Arduino, bash)

Goals/Outcomes of the Research Project:

• Mechanistic Understanding: Elucidate the circuit-level mechanisms by which DBS-f alters neural representations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to improve learning and memory.
• Therapeutic Optimization: Establish a framework for predicting and explaining the variable efficacy of DBS treatments, paving the way for optimized clinical protocols.
• Career Advancement: Produce high-quality datasets leading to first-author publications in top-tier journals and support the fellow’s transition to an independent research career.
• Technological Innovation: Advance the use of large-scale recording technologies (Neuropixels) combined with neuromodulation in awake, behaving primates

Qualifications

Educational and other Requirements for the position:

• A PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in coding (MATLAB or Python) for data acquisition and analysis.
• A strong interest in bridging the gap between basic circuit mechanisms and translational applications.

Employer Description

Strength through Unity and Inclusion

The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai’s unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual.

At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well-being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history.

About the Mount Sinai Health System:

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees, eight hospitals, 400+ outpatient practices, 300+ labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. The Health System advances health for all people by taking on complex health care challenges—discovering and applying new scientific learning, developing safer, more effective treatments, educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators, and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care. It integrates hospitals, labs, and schools and leverages approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patient needs at the center of care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate, exclude, or treat individuals differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, students, trainees, patients, visitors, and the communities we serve feel respected and supported.

Compensation

The Mount Sinai Health System provides salary ranges that comply with the New York City Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $72,500 - $80,000 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and operational need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.