Postdoctoral Research Associate - Developmental Neurobiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Tennessee; On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established research institution is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic lab focused on schizophrenia and cortical plasticity. This role offers the chance to conduct groundbreaking research using advanced techniques like 2-photon imaging and single-cell electrophysiology. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to understanding neural mechanisms and will have access to top-tier resources and mentorship. With a competitive salary and a vibrant community, this opportunity is perfect for those looking to advance their academic careers and make a significant impact in the field of neuroscience.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Relocation assistance

Access to shared resources

Professional growth programs

Vibrant postdoc community

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D. in relevant fields preferred within the last 3 years.
• Experience with advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 2-photon imaging and electrophysiological recordings in rodents.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research tasks.

Skills

2-photon imaging

single-cell electrophysiology

computational neuroscience

machine learning

molecular techniques

Education

M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience

Ph.D. in computer science

Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

data mining

Job description

The Zakharenko laboratory has two major interests: schizophrenia and cortical plasticity. Schizophrenia is a catastrophic disease that affects 1% of the population worldwide. We study this disease in rodent models of rare neurodevelopmental disorders that substantially increase schizophrenia risk.

The overall goal is to identify the mechanisms that underlie schizophrenia symptoms at the neural circuit, synapse, and molecular level. These symptoms range from auditory hallucinations and cognitive deficits to social withdrawal. Cortical plasticity is the cellular mechanism that regulates our ability to learn. For example, plasticity of the auditory cortex underlies our ability to learn languages or musical skills. Identifying the neuronal or synaptic mechanisms of auditory learning is currently a focus of our research.

Position Responsibilities:

Research tasks include but are not limited to performing 2-photon imaging and data mining of the activity of thousands of neurons in awake mice and rats, single-cell electrophysiological recordings in brain slices, and molecular and biochemical experiments designed to identify the underlying mechanisms of synaptic or neural circuit abnormalities.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate will have ample opportunities for professional development, such as gaining grant writing experience.

The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers whose efforts are directed toward understanding behavior at the levels of neural circuits, individual neurons, synapses, and molecules. The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for rodent behavior testing, 3-dimensional brain organoids and assembloids, in vivo and ex vivo cellular imaging, bioinformatics, production of genetically engineered animal models, single-cell profiling, and advanced image processing and analysis.

Minimum Education and/or Training:

Preference will be given to applicants who have received an M.D. or Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, computer science, or engineering within the last 3 years.

Special Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

The successful candidate should have published peer-reviewed scientific articles using the following techniques: 2-photon imaging in vivo, single-cell electrophysiology, computational neuroscience, or machine learning–based data mining. Experience in molecular techniques will be a plus.

About the lab and St. Jude:

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to conduct and publish impactful research that will prepare them for successful academic research careers. The Zakharenko lab has ample resources to conduct advanced research and a strong history of developing postdoctoral fellows into principal investigators or staff scientists.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Our 300 faculty members work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

We are in pursuit of the brightest minds in biomedical sciences, and we seek individuals who are poised to contribute to our research progress. Other than access to top-quality scientists and mentors, as a postdoctoral trainee at St. Jude, you will have the following:

• A Blend of Academic Freedom and Industrial Efficiency: Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with innovative technology, accelerates research productivity.

• Customized Professional and Career Growth: Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness, empowering postdocs for success beyond their training.

• Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary starting at $72,500 per year, comprehensive benefits, and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent.

• A Sense of Community: St. Jude fosters a vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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