Postdoctoral Researcher - Ellerby lab

Buck Institute • Novato, CA

11h

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on identifying pathways and small molecules that promote cellular rejuvenation and resilience. This role emphasizes high-throughput screening and cell painting approaches. The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to lead peer-reviewed publications, contribute innovative experimental strategies, and compete for external fellowships and career development awards.
LAB OVERVIEW The Ellerby lab studies the fundamental mechanisms underlying age-related neurodegenerative diseases and develops therapeutic strategies targeting brain aging. The lab integrates cutting-edge approaches—including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genomics, proteomics, high-throughput small-molecule screening, single-cell analysis, and CRISPR/Cas9—to better understand disease biology and identify novel interventions.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
• Strong cell culture expertise
• Demonstrated track record of first-author or lead-author publications
• Proficiency in data analysis using Python, R, or similar tools
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience with iPSC systems (preferred)
• Background in stem cell biology, neurodegenerative disease, and/or CRISPR/Cas9 technologies
• Experience with high-throughput or high-content screening approaches (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-throughput screening strategies to identify small molecules that promote cellular resilience or reverse aging phenotypes, with a focus on OXR1 and APOE2 biology.
• Conduct high-content imaging experiments and quantitative image analysis.
• Develop and optimize high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows.
• Apply organoid and advanced in vitro model systems to study neurodegeneration.
• Operate and integrate complex robotic and multi-instrument platforms.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams at the Buck Institute to develop standardized protocols and experimental designs.
• Analyze large-scale imaging and multi-omics datasets using Python and/or R.
• Perform data integration, annotation, and visualization using appropriate computational tools.
• Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and scientific conferences.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, generous paid time off, and a 401(k) with 5% employer match
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies
• Collaborative and mission-driven scientific environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees