Postdoctoral Researcher – Human Motor Neuron Identity

The Smith Lab invites applications for an exceptional Postdoctoral Researcher to join our newly established group investigating the mechanisms of motor neuron development, from C. elegans to humans. Using terminal selector transcription factors as an entry point, our lab asks how post-mitotic neurons acquire and maintain their identities across a lifetime and what happens when that identity fails. The successful candidate will lead a research program investigating the transcriptional basis of motor neuron identity in human ESC-derived motor neurons, with relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders and motor neuron disease. This is a foundational line of research for the lab, and the person who takes it on will have real ownership over its direction. This position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific independence.

About the role

The successful candidate will direct and manage a brand-new tissue culture room dedicated solely to this project, shape the experimental strategy from an early stage, and receive active mentorship toward an independent career in academia or an advanced research role in industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform research tasks as outlined by project needs and the principal investigator, including designing, performing, and analyzing experiments.
• Disseminate findings through publications, conferences, and seminar presentations.
• Co-mentor graduate students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• PhD (awarded, or within ~6 months of completion) in neuroscience, stem cell or developmental biology, molecular/cell biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise maintaining and differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and/or iPSCs) into neural/neuronal lineages.
• At least one first-author publication (published, in press, or preprint) demonstrating the ability to carry a project to completion.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present work at meetings and contribute to manuscripts and grants.
• Training or strong interest in developmental biology and neuroscience.
• As an early member of a growing lab, the applicant should expect to help shape lab culture, mentor PhD students, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications or hands-on experience in motor neuron differentiation, developmental biology, and/or transcriptomic and genomic approaches (e.g., RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN/ChIP-seq).

About the institution

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, Syracuse University offers over 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs across 13 schools and colleges. The University has over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students, with a global alumni network of more than a quarter-million in 160 countries.

About the area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State, approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions, from water skiing and snow skiing to hiking in the Adirondacks, touring historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.