Postdoctoral Associate - The Stanley Center

About the role

The Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is seeking outstanding postdoctoral scholars to join a research group led by Zohreh Farsi, PhD, and Morgan Sheng, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Stanley Center and Head of Therapeutics. Candidates will have the opportunity to be co-mentored by Dr. Sheng.

The Stanley Center’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by serious mental illness by leveraging genetic insights to drive groundbreaking basic and translational research. In line with this mission, the Farsi/Sheng research group investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of schizophrenia using mouse models with strong human-genetic validity.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working on cutting-edge fundamental and translational research investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of psychiatric disorders, particularly in relation to risk genes for schizophrenia. The research will focus on fundamental scientific questions, with the successful candidate expected to formulate hypotheses, design and execute experiments, interpret data, and write and publish original papers, often in partnership with Stanley Center scientists in the Sheng lab, other Stanley Center members, and external collaborators.

This postdoctoral position offers an exceptional training environment that will prepare the candidate for a successful career in academia or industry.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms of psychiatric disorders.
• Formulate hypotheses and interpret data.
• Write and publish original research papers, often in collaboration with other scientists.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field.
• 0-1+ years of postgraduate experience.
• Completion of at least one research project as evidenced by one or more first-author research articles published or accepted in a well-recognized, peer-reviewed journal.
• Experience with bulk and single-nucleus RNA-seq analysis, brain dissection, cDNA library preparation, and transcriptomics data analysis is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with rodent models, particularly involving injections, behavioral assays, surgeries, and brain histology.
• Expertise with basic laboratory methods of molecular cell biology and imaging.

Skills

• Strong initiative to drive one’s own experimental research.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and interact effectively with others.

Selected Publications

• Brain-region-specific changes in neurons and glia and dysregulation of dopamine signaling in Grin2a mutant mice - PubMed
• Elevated synaptic PKA activity and abnormal striatal dopamine signaling in Akap11 mutant mice, a genetic model of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• iScience publication
• Cell Reports publication

Pay

The expected base pay range for this position is $70,000.00/yr - $92,666.67/yr based on a 40-hour per week schedule. Actual compensation will vary based on relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• At least 13 paid holidays.
• Winter closure.
• Paid time off.
• Parental and family care leave.
• Employee assistance program.