Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Society for Neuroscience; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research center is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to establish a cutting-edge research program in neuroscience. This role focuses on studying neural circuits in mouse models of psychiatric disorders, utilizing advanced molecular and imaging techniques. Collaborating with top-tier researchers, you will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that aim to enhance our understanding of mental illness and develop targeted treatments. Join a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration and scientific communication, making a significant impact on the future of mental health care.

Qualifications

• Strong publication record and experience with mice.
• Motivation, independence, and mentoring aptitude are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research in translational neuroscience projects.
• Design and perform experiments; collect and analyze data.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

Skills

In vivo functional imaging

Neural circuit tracing

Electrophysiology

Neurodevelopmental biology

Molecular neuroscience

Cellular neuroscience

Computational skills (MATLAB/Python)

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Related fields

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Center for Precision Psychiatry & Mental Health, we envision a future where mental illness is treated with targeted, personalized approaches based on understanding disease etiology and pathophysiology. Our mission is to leverage advances in neuroscience, technology, and precision medicine to improve psychiatry. The SNF Center aims to identify scientific breakthroughs that enhance our understanding of the biological causes of mental illnesses, including genetic and other biological markers, to reduce stigma and promote equitable access to treatments.

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will be responsible for establishing and leading a research program, under the mentorship of Drs. Joseph Gogos and Steven Kushner, within the Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute. The research will focus on studying the development, organization, and function of neural circuits in mouse models of psychiatric disorders using advanced molecular, cellular, and brain imaging techniques. The goal is to facilitate translational efforts and develop targeted treatments.

Successful candidates will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers across Columbia University's top-tier stem cell and neuroscience communities, within a highly interdisciplinary environment.

The Zuckerman Institute's home, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, is a state-of-the-art facility located on Columbia's Manhattanville campus in New York City. It hosts over 50 laboratories employing diverse approaches to understanding the mind and brain. The environment fosters collaboration among experimental, computational, and theoretical researchers to gain insights into brain development, function, and recovery.

Duties include:

• Conducting laboratory research in translational neuroscience projects
• Designing and performing experiments; collecting and analyzing data
• Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
• Engaging in scientific communication at conferences and mentoring junior lab members

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Applicants should have recently obtained or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, with a strong publication record and demonstrated experience working with mice. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including in vivo functional imaging, neural circuit tracing, electrophysiology, neurodevelopmental biology, molecular and cellular neuroscience. Strong computational skills (e.g., MATLAB or Python), motivation, independence, and mentoring aptitude are highly desirable.

Applicants should submit a CV, a brief cover letter outlining research interests and goals, and contact information for three references. Informal inquiries are also encouraged.