Postdoctoral Positions, Neuroscience @ Washington University in St. Louis

Yao Chen’s interdisciplinary lab in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University School of  Medicine in St. Louis seeks a motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our team. We focus on uncovering  principles of neuromodulator actions and mechanisms of sleep functions by illuminating the nature and  functions of biochemical signaling dynamics. We use advanced techniques such as fluorescence lifetime  imaging microscopy, optical sensors, light-activated actuators, electrophysiology, molecular biology,  quantitative rodent behavior, and computational approaches. We aim to bridge cellular and systems  neuroscience by both taking a systems biology approach to study cellular signals and studying cellular signals in  the intact system in vivo. For more information on our lab and recent publications, visit  https://sites.wustl.edu/yaochenlab/. 

The PI is committed to nurturing a creative, collaborative, and supportive  

lab culture. Washington University neuroscience is ranked among the top  

10 in the world. The School of Medicine is ranked among the top five  

medical schools in the United States. The applicant will have access to  

extensive infrastructural and core facility support and professional  

development training for postdoctoral researchers via the Career Center,  

Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Postdoc Society. Postdoctoral appointees at  Washington University receive a starting salary based on the NIH NRSA guidelines and a generous benefit  package. 

We look for highly motivated individuals who take initiatives and have a passion for  science and research, who have strong problem-solving skills and ability to tinker. The candidates should have extensive expertise with optical imaging, electrophysiology, or  quantitative animal behavior. Our work is interdisciplinary and will benefit from diverse perspectives, including neuroscience, molecular and cell biology, systems biology, biophysics, pharmacology, and engineering – even if your past work is not  directly related to neuromodulators or sleep, you might be a great fit for the position.  

Interested candidates should send the following to yaochen@wustl.edu. 1) a cover letter explaining motivation,  research experience, and interests; 2) CV; 3) the names and contact information of three references.