Postdoctoral Research Scientist

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Center for Precision Psychiatry & Mental Health, we envision a time in the near future when mental illness is treated in novel, targeted, and tailored ways, based on an understanding of disease etiology and pathophysiology. Our mission is to apply advances in neuroscience, technology and precision medicine to psychiatry. The SNF Center is dedicated to identifying scientific breakthroughs that further our understanding of the biological causes and underpinnings of mental illness. By addressing biological causes, and identifying genetic and other biological markers, the SNF Center aims to contribute to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses and address societal disparities by ensuring equitable access to breakthrough Precision Psychiatry treatments.

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist, under the mentorship of Drs. Joseph Gogos and Steven Kushner at the Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, will establish and lead a research program focused on studying human iPSC-derived neurons and brain organoids, as well as mouse brain xenotransplantation models to investigate psychiatric diseases. Using cutting-edge approaches-including calcium and voltage imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing, chromatin profiling, in vivo imaging, and electrophysiology in awake behaving mice-the ultimate goal is to facilitate translational efforts and develop targeted treatments. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers and platforms at the Institute and across Columbia's top-tier stem cell and neuroscience community.

The Zuckerman Institute's home, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility on Columbia's Manhattanville campus. Situated in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, the Zuckerman Institute houses over 50 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary and diverse approaches to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative and inclusive environment, experimental, computational, and theoretical labs work together to gain critical insights into how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

Duties involve the following tasks:

• Conduct laboratory research in translational neuroscience projects
• Design and perform experiments; collect and analyze data
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Engage in scientific communication at conferences and training of junior lab members

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Candidates should have recently obtained or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in neuroscience or related fields, have a strong publication record, demonstrated experience in human iPSC culture and technology, as well as demonstrated expertise in the use of cellular imaging/microscopy, and molecular biology. Research experience in high-throughput technologies for single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomics or functional genomics as well as strong computational skills, including programming in MATLAB or Python, are highly desirable qualifications. Experience in two-photon imaging or neural activity analysis in mouse brain is desirable but not required. Candidates with superior motivation, drive and demonstrated aptitude for carrying out independent research, as well as experience and interest in training and mentoring team members, are encouraged to apply.

Relevant publications:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62187-x

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.26.645419v1

Candidates should submit their application, including a curriculum vitae, a brief cover letter outlining their research interests and goals, and the contact information of three individuals who will provide letters of reference. Informal inquiries are also welcome.