Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neural Circuits and Movement - Bikoff lab

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • Memphis, TN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

A postdoctoral research associate position is available with Dr. Bikoff in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate interested in studying motor circuitry in mice. Projects will focus on the synaptic and circuit organization of neurons in the spinal cord, and how these circuits ultimately shape motor output. The laboratory aims to understand the organization and function of neural circuits that control movement, with a particular focus on circuits in the spinal cord that directly control motor output. Projects in the lab can be broadly organized into three thematic areas: dissecting the diversity of cell types in the nervous system, understanding the circuit architecture through which neurons receive and convey information, and defining the functional role of these circuits in motor control. This position will specifically focus on investigating the synaptic and circuit organization of genetically defined populations of spinal interneurons that are critically important for movement. The project will employ a range of approaches including mouse genetics, viral tracing strategies, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and imaging methodologies. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who would thrive in a highly collaborative, fun, and supportive environment that also provides the freedom to independently develop a research project and take it in new directions. The Bikoff lab is strongly committed to providing individual mentoring and training, as well as ongoing support at all stages of career development.

Requirements

• PhD or MD/PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline
• Strong experimental training
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and interpret data
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in studying neural circuits, including familiarity with mouse genetics and viral tools
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. R, Python) and an ability to work with large datasets
• Familiarity with single-cell genomic and/or spatial transcriptomic approaches for molecular profiling

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments
• Interpret data
• Work in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment
• Develop a research project and take it in new directions

Benefits

• Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists
• Cutting-edge technology
• Customized professional and career growth programs
• Grant writing workshops
• Individual development plans
• Teaching and mentoring opportunities
• Non-research career advancement programs
• Professional development allowance
• Competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year
• Comprehensive benefits
• Generous relocation assistance
• Vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life

What This Job Offers

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