Postdoctoral Scientist - Neuropsychiatry

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral scientist with strong research and communication skills to contribute to a high-visibility research program at the intersection of human iPSC biology, neuroscience, and functional genomics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterize human iPSC-derived tri- and quad-culture models containing excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, astrocytes, and potentially microglia to study neuron-glia interactions in psychiatry-relevant contexts.
• Apply multielectrode array (MEA) electrophysiology and automated patch-clamp (autopatcher) to assess network dynamics and single-cell excitability in iPSC co-culture models.
• Utilize mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery for transient gene overexpression and perturbation (including CRISPR knockout/interference) in iPSC cultures — a novel approach in this field.
• Investigate functional consequences of psychiatric risk gene variants on astrocyte function and neuron-astrocyte signaling.
• Perform single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-Seq from co-culture models and apply pathway analysis to identify disease-associated gene modules and hub genes.
• Integrate multi-modal datasets (electrophysiological, morphological, transcriptomic) to establish mechanistic links between genetic perturbations and neuronal network dysfunction.
• Design and execute rescue experiments using pharmacological and genetic strategies to validate therapeutic hypotheses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including computational biology, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, and external academic partners.
• Present findings at major scientific conferences (e.g., Society for Neuroscience, ACNP) and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals as first author.
• Maintain external awareness and learning to benefit the organization. Identify areas of key need to champion creative solutions.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one of the following: human iPSC culture and directed differentiation, primary neuronal culture, electrophysiology (patch-clamp or MEA), or neuron-glia biology.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independence.

Qualifications

• Basic qualifications include:
• Self-directed and highly motivated individual who wants to learn new techniques while continually pursuing research and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with presentation experience, along with a strong publication record.
• Interest in psychiatric disease mechanisms and translational neuroscience research.
• Experience with human iPSC culture, neural differentiation protocols, and co-culture system development.
• Experienced with electrophysiology platforms including multielectrode array (MEA) and/or automated patch-clamp systems.
• Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with CRISPR-based gene editing tools (knockout, CRISPRi/a, base editing).
• Proficiency in high-content imaging, immunofluorescence, and automated image analysis.
• Experience with single-cell RNA-Seq data acquisition, bioinformatics analysis, and pathway enrichment tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate multi-modal datasets.

Skills & Preferences

• Self-directed and highly motivated individual who wants to learn new techniques while continually pursuing research and publication goals.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with presentation experience, along with a strong publication record.
• Interest in psychiatric disease mechanisms and translational neuroscience research.
• Experience with human iPSC culture, neural differentiation protocols, and co-culture system development.
• Experienced with electrophysiology platforms including multielectrode array (MEA) and/or automated patch-clamp systems.
• Experience with mRNA or lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with CRISPR-based gene editing tools (knockout, CRISPRi/a, base editing).
• Proficiency in high-content imaging, immunofluorescence, and automated image analysis.
• Experience with single-cell RNA-Seq data acquisition, bioinformatics analysis, and pathway enrichment tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate multi-modal datasets.