St. Jude Children's Research Hospital·Memphis, Tennessee
The role involves studying the neural circuit mechanisms of schizophrenia using mutant mouse models. Responsibilities include conducting behavioral tests and 2-photon laser-scanning microscopy imaging of neuronal activity.
A postdoctoral associate position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in the mechanisms of schizophrenia. The successful candidate will lead a research project dedicated to identifying the abnormal neuronal circuits, cell biological and molecular mechanisms in mouse, rat, and human models of rare copy number variations that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.
Preference will be given to applicants with Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, who have a strong background in cell biology, in vivo or slice electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging of head-fixed animals, molecular techniques, and strong communication skills.
The laboratory is equipped with multiple electrophysiological and 2-photon setups, mesoscopes, Mini-2p, and other miniature microscopes for imaging large cortical areas and subcortical structures at cellular and subcellular resolution in awake animals (Chun et al, Science 2014; Blundon et. al. Science 2017; Davenport et al., Cell 2022; Bayazitov et al., Cell Reports 2024, Eom et al., Nature Communications 2024).
The candidate will benefit from a highly collaborative work environment in which a diverse team of 15 researchers is focusing efforts toward understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior at the levels of neural circuits and individual neurons, synapses, and molecules.
The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for testing rodent behavior, producing genetically engineered animal models and 3-dimensional human brain organoids, in vivo and ex vivo imaging of cells, advanced image processing and analysis, single-cell profiling, and bioinformatics. In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities support the laboratory by providing expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should send their CVs and the names and addresses of 3 references to:
Stanislav Zakharenko, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105
stanislav.zakharenko@stjude.org
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer [https://www.stjude.org/jobs/hospital/workplace-policies.html]
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Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.
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Jude.
The candidate must be a highly motivated individual with a background in developmental neurobiology. A postgraduate degree is implied by the postdoctoral nature of the position.
Market context
Postdoctoral research associate roles in Tennessee are often competitive because they combine specialized neuroscience training with strong publication and research experience expectations. For this schizophrenia-focused lab position, a background in developmental neurobiology is central, and the listed benefits include professional development support, relocation assistance, and grant-writing workshops. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant lab methods, research independence, and fit with the project.
