Postdoctoral Research Associate – Human Organoid/Assembloid Models of Schizophrenia-associated Risks – Zakharenko Laboratory en St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in the neural circuit mechanisms of schizophrenia. Our laboratory conducts 2-photon laser-scanning microscopy imaging and electrophysiologic recordings of neuronal activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived organoids and assembloid models, with a focus on 22q11 and 3q29 deletion syndromes. These syndromes are associated with a high risk of psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia.

Preference will be given to applicants who have obtained a PhD in developmental neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields within the last 3 years and who have experience in organoid development, patch-clamp techniques, 2-photon imaging, and computational neuroscience.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal synaptic and neuronal activities in circuits of human models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, two rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with hiPSC-derived organoids

• Experience with single-cell electrophysiology and 2-photon microscopy

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment

Research Environment

The laboratory is equipped with two 2-photon microscopes and multiple tools for performing single-cell electrophysiologic experiments in brain slices or human organoids.

The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers whose efforts are directed toward understanding behavior at the levels of neural circuits, individual neurons, synapses, and molecules. The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including the following:

• An integrated support structure for brain organoids

• In vivo and ex vivo cellular imaging platforms

• Bioinformatics support

• Production of genetically engineered animal and human cellular models

• Single-cell profiling

• Advanced image processing and analysis

• Rodent behavior testing facilities

In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities provide access to advanced technologies and expertise.

Compensation & Application

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should send their CV and the names and contact information of 3 references to:

Stanislav Zakharenko, MD, PhD
Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105

[email protected]

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