Postdoctoral Scientist- Gonzalez Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive health and welfare benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Gonzalez Lab at UCSF in San Francisco. This role focuses on systems neuroscience, seeking to understand how neural circuits control complex behaviors in mice and songbirds using advanced optical methods and electrophysiology.

The candidate will be responsible for programming, data analysis, animal husbandry, and electrophysiological techniques. A Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field is required, along with strong coding skills in MATLAB and Python, for a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced experience in coding and analysis of large multimodal datasets.
• Ability to learn quickly and work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of research integrity and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct programming and data analysis using MATLAB and Python.
• Engage in optics and engineering tasks including CNC/3D printing.
• Perform behavioral testing and surgical procedures on lab animals.

Skills

Programming and data analysis

Optics and engineering

Lab animal husbandry and surgical approaches

Behavioral testing in animals

Electrophysiology

Histology

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience or bioengineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Primary Work Address: 1550 4th Street, Suite 190, SanFrancisco, CA, 94158‑0724

Job Overview

The Gonzalez Lab at UCSF is seeking an energetic, curious, and driven Postdoctoral Scientist interested in systems neuroscience to join our research team. The Gonzalez lab focuses on identifying the fundamental mechanisms by which neurons process information and control behavior in mice and songbirds. We place particular emphasis on advanced optical approaches, including multiphoton microscopy, Bessel‑beam imaging, and closed‑loop patterned stimulation, to record and manipulate neuronal activity in behaving animals with high spatiotemporal precision. By combining these cutting‑edge optical methods with electrophysiology and quantitative behavioral paradigms, we aim to uncover how neural circuits control complex motor behaviors and how their breakdown contributes to disorders of speech and movement. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates tool development with molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience.
For more information, visit www.gonzalez‑lab.com

Research Areas

• Internal error correction mechanism of motor circuits.
• Integration of visuo‑acoustic sensory feedback during vocal behaviors.
• Memory and learning during offline periods (sleep).
• Long‑range neuronal communication and stroke.
• Brain‑machine interfaces to enhance learning and performance of complex behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Programming and data analysis (MATLAB, Python, etc.)
• Optics and engineering (machining CNC/3D printing).
• Lab animal husbandry and surgical approaches (cranial implants, intracranial injections).
• Behavioral testing in animals.
• Electrophysiology, calcium imaging, microstimulation.
• Histology (vibratome, cryostat, microtome, antibody staining).

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field of science.
• Advanced experience in coding and analysis of large multimodal datasets.
• Ability to learn quickly and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of research integrity and motivation.
• Positive attitude with a problem‑solving, resilient approach.
• Resourcefulness in overcoming challenges, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to fully participate in lab and departmental activities, to positively engage with other team members and promote their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks), mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to an inclusive and productive research climate.

Benefits and Opportunities

We provide a competitive compensation package, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, one‑on‑one mentorship with the PI and daily discussions, opportunity to work in multiple animal models of motor behavior, exposure to cutting‑edge scientific research and opportunities for professional development, authorship on independent and collaborative scientific publications, and opportunities to attend domestic conferences in addition to departmental and HHMI retreats to present scientific findings. Being part of the larger scientific community at UCSF.

Compensation Range

Minimum: $70,000.00 – Midpoint: $80,500.00 – Maximum: $91,000.00 (annual).

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers (e.g., using a keyboard); communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace; ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Accommodations

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. HowardHughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever‑evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long‑term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws.