Postdoctoral Research Associate - Neural Circuits and Movement - Bikoff lab

About the role

A postdoctoral research associate position is available with Dr. Bikoff.

The Bikoff lab in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 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.

Our 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.

Required qualifications

• A PhD or MD/PhD in neuroscience or a related discipline
• Strong experimental training and the 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

Preferred experience

• 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

Additional information

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-class research institution dedicated to pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases of childhood. The first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

Our 300 faculty work across the spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, and population science in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment that includes a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine.

St. Jude is ranked on Fortune Magazine's "Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma" and Glassdoor's "Best Places to Work," and is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, a vibrant and friendly city at the historic American crossroads of music, trade, food and culture.

We are in pursuit of the brightest minds in biomedical sciences, individuals poised to contribute to our research progress. Other than access to top-quality scientists and mentors, as a postdoctoral trainee at St. Jude, you will have:

• A Blend of Academic Freedom and Industrial Efficiency: Access to shared resources and facilities led by expert scientists, coupled with cutting-edge technology, accelerates research productivity.
• Customized Professional and Career Growth: Experience specifically designed programs to enhance professional growth and career readiness empowering postdocs for success beyond their training. This includes access to grant writing workshops, individual development plans, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, professional development allowance, and so much more.
• Competitive Compensation: Embark on your journey with a competitive salary starting at $72,500 a year, comprehensive benefits and generous relocation assistance, reflecting our commitment to recognize and invest in talent.

A Sense of Community: St. Jude fosters a vibrant postdoc community that supports a well-balanced life. A dynamic environment promotes connections and camaraderie among postdocs from all backgrounds.