What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher - Ellerby lab position at Buck Institute for Research on Aging?
Position Summary
The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on identifying pathways and small molecules that promote cellular rejuvenation and resilience. This role emphasizes high-throughput screening and cell painting approaches.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to lead peer-reviewed publications, contribute innovative experimental strategies, and compete for external fellowships and career development awards.
Lab Overview
The Ellerby lab studies the fundamental mechanisms underlying age-related neurodegenerative diseases and develops therapeutic strategies targeting brain aging. The lab integrates cutting-edge approaches—including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genomics, proteomics, high-throughput small-molecule screening, single-cell analysis, and CRISPR/Cas9—to better understand disease biology and identify novel interventions.
Key Responsibilities
Education
The Buck Institute is dedicated to extending human healthspan by addressing the biological mechanisms of aging. As a leading independent non-profit research institute in Marin County, CA, the Buck brings together experts across multiple disciplines to prevent or delay age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applicants who will contribute to the diversity of our community.
TO APPLY
Please submit your Curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, and contact information for 2 references.
For Additional Information:
Professor Lisa M. Ellerby, Ph.D.
lellerby@buckistitute.org
The Postdoctoral Researcher will investigate mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on identifying pathways and small molecules that promote cellular rejuvenation and resilience. This role emphasizes high-throughput screening and cell painting approaches.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to lead peer-reviewed publications, contribute innovative experimental strategies, and compete for external fellowships and career development awards.
Lab Overview
The Ellerby lab studies the fundamental mechanisms underlying age-related neurodegenerative diseases and develops therapeutic strategies targeting brain aging. The lab integrates cutting-edge approaches—including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), genomics, proteomics, high-throughput small-molecule screening, single-cell analysis, and CRISPR/Cas9—to better understand disease biology and identify novel interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement high-throughput screening strategies to identify small molecules that promote cellular resilience or reverse aging phenotypes, with a focus on OXR1 and APOE2 biology
- Conduct high-content imaging experiments and quantitative image analysis
- Develop and optimize high-throughput screening (HTS) workflows
- Apply organoid and advanced in vitro model systems to study neurodegeneration
- Operate and integrate complex robotic and multi-instrument platforms
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams at the Buck Institute to develop standardized protocols and experimental designs
- Analyze large-scale imaging and multi-omics datasets using Python and/or R
- Perform data integration, annotation, and visualization using appropriate computational tools
- Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and scientific conferences
Education
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
- Strong cell culture expertise
- Experience with iPSC systems (preferred)
- Background in stem cell biology, neurodegenerative disease, and/or CRISPR/Cas9 technologies
- Demonstrated track record of first-author or lead-author publications
- Experience with high-throughput or high-content screening approaches (preferred)
- Proficiency in data analysis using Python, R, or similar tools
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
- Salary Range: $73,760-81,440 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, generous paid time off, and a 401(k) with 5% employer match
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies
- Collaborative and mission-driven scientific environment
The Buck Institute is dedicated to extending human healthspan by addressing the biological mechanisms of aging. As a leading independent non-profit research institute in Marin County, CA, the Buck brings together experts across multiple disciplines to prevent or delay age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
The Buck Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applicants who will contribute to the diversity of our community.
TO APPLY
Please submit your Curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, and contact information for 2 references.
For Additional Information:
Professor Lisa M. Ellerby, Ph.D.
lellerby@buckistitute.org
Salary : $73,760 - $81,440