Postdoctoral Scholar in Genetics and Neuroscience

About the role

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Laboratory of Dr. Santhosh Girirajan in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Penn State to study the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders using mouse models. The research program in the Girirajan laboratory focuses on integrating family-based genetic studies with quantitative functional methodologies to understand how genes and genetic interactions contribute to phenotypes in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement behavioral and neurodevelopmental assays, linking functional outcomes to genetic perturbations in mouse models.
• Work at the interface of genetics, mouse behavior, and molecular neuroscience, with additional training in genomics and computational approaches.
• Collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students to conduct research.

Requirements

• Hold a PhD in neuroscience, genetics, psychology, biology, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in functional studies in mouse models and research relevant to neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Strong training in genetics, neuroscience, and quantitative data analysis.
• Programming experience (e.g., R, Python, or related languages) is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Willingness to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

• Expertise in functional studies in mouse models.
• Research relevant to neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Training in genomics and computational approaches.
• Programming skills (e.g., R, Python).

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The position is a term position, with the length of the term being discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.