Post Doctoral Fellow - Neuroscience

Sanford Health • Sioux Falls, SD

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. The Loukil Lab at Sanford Research Institute seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience to investigate the roles of primary cilia in brain development, function, and circuitry, and to elucidate how ciliary dysfunction drives pathogenic changes underlying neurological disease. Our lab pioneers cilia neuroscience through innovative research and a unique Cilia-BioID2 conditional mouse model. Join a team combining molecular neuroscience, mouse genetics, and advanced imaging to pioneer discoveries at the underexplored cilia–brain interface. Primary cilia are sensory organelles that detect extracellular signals and transduce major pathways—such as sonic hedgehog—to regulate embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Mutations in ciliary genes cause “ciliopathies,” often marked by cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and brain malformations, and emerging evidence implicates ciliary defects in broader neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Although compelling evidence connects ciliary signaling to neural function, the precise roles of primary cilia in the healthy brain remain elusive, and the molecular mechanisms by which ciliary dysfunction leads to neurological disease are still unknown.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and collaborative skills
• Expertise in mouse genetics and in vivo modeling
• Proficiency with advanced imaging microscopy and functional imaging
• Proficiency in molecular biology and neuroanatomical techniques
• Requires a doctorate degree in a clinical, health, or life science field.

Nice To Haves

• Less than two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.
• Two years or less of postdoctoral research experience preferred.
• Experience with brain-related survival surgeries in mice is highly desirable but not required.
• Management experience is highly recommended.

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo studies using our Cilia-BioID2 mouse models and standard Cre-driver lines
• Learn and perform survival surgeries and advanced imaging
• Develop and optimize molecular, biochemical, and neuroanatomical assays
• Analyze proteomic and imaging datasets; draft manuscripts and present at international meetings
• Mentor students and collaborate across Sanford Research Institute

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at Sanford Research Institute
• Professional development opportunities, including personalized grant-writing mentorship, leadership workshops, and tailored career counseling
• A collaborative, supportive culture that fosters teamwork and innovation
• Live and dine in Sioux Falls’ welcoming community: explore a thriving farm-to-table, enjoy friendly neighborhood cafés and bakeries, and join free outdoor summer concerts—all just minutes from the lab
• Easy travel via Sioux Falls Regional Airport, offering daily flights to major hubs and seamless connections for national and international travel

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree