Postdoctoral Scholar, Sauerbrei Lab, Neurosciences

Case; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Life insurance

Employee assistance

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University’s Sauerbrei Lab in the Neurosciences Department seeks a qualified Postdoctoral Scholar in motor systems neurophysiology in Cleveland, OH. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments, perform surgical implants in mice, analyze large datasets, write code (Python/MATLAB), and contribute to grant applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related field with strong publication record.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and perform neurophysiological experiments in mice.
• Surgical implantation of chronic neural recording devices and data collection.
• Analyze data using statistical methods; write code in Python or MATLAB.
• Develop equipment using CAD; breed and maintain animals; document procedures.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at meetings.
• Write and apply for grants with PI, pursuing independent funding.
• Author research papers and create publication-ready figures.
• Mentor lab members and develop new techniques.

Skills

PhD in Neuroscience/Physiology/Engin

Excellent written and verbal comms

Education

PhD in Neuroscience/Physiology/Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Type: Postdoctoral

Location: Cleveland, OH

Posted: Wed, Jul 22, 2026

Description

The Sauerbrei Lab in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a postdoctoral scholar position in the area of motor systems neurophysiology. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewing for an additional year.

The Sauerbrei Lab's research aims to understand how coordinated interactions across large neural populations spanning the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and spinal cord enable the control of skilled movement in mice.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will design and conduct research projects, manage projects and model organisms, and oversee scientific activities of junior lab members when the PI is unavailable. They will update the PI on research progress, offer advice on experimental design and project planning, and prepare manuscripts independently. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to apply for grant funding as a Principal Investigator and maintain independent research through submission of subsequent grant applications as needed.

Responsibilities and Duties

Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and perform neurophysiological experiments. Surgical implantation of chronic, high-density neural recording devices in mice and collection of behavioral and neural data from implanted animals. (40%)

Analyze and interpret experimental data. Design, implement, and apply statistical methods to analyze large neurophysiological datasets and distill results into scientific discoveries. The postdoctoral scholar will write code implementing data analysis methods in Python or MATLAB. (30%)

Develop and maintain laboratory equipment, infrastructure, and animals. Design of new equipment using CAD software, construction of experimental rigs, mouse breeding and care, and documentation of experimental and analytical procedures. (10%)

Communication of results to the scientific community. Preparation of manuscripts and presentation of findings at scientific meetings. (10%)

Write and apply for grants with the PI and as an Independent PI. Submit subsequent grant applications as needed to maintain independent research and funding. (4%)

Independently and with the PI, author research papers. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a first author or co-author for discoveries from research performed in the lab, together with the PI and other lab members. (3%)

Develop new techniques and protocols to advance research projects within the lab. Train and mentor lab members on new techniques. (3%)

In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applications requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216.368.3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate in Neuroscience, Physiology, Engineering, or a related field.

Outstanding record of academic publications.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Review of applications will begin in August 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [e-mail] . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.