Do you want to illuminate the “dark matter of the brain” by watching neuromodulators and their  intracellular effectors in action? Do you wonder why we spend a third of our life sleeping? Do you  seek to become a bridge builder between cellular and systems neuroscience? Two postdoctoral  positions are available to investigate the role of neuromodulator actions and sleep functions in Dr.  Yao Chen’s laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis. 

The first project will investigate how neuromodulators are interpreted via the spatial and temporal  features of intracellular signals to play critical roles in cellular physiology and behavior. The  second project investigates the mechanisms by which sleep supports cellular and organismal  functions. 

We accomplish both goals by measuring and perturbing the dynamics of biological signals inside  and outside the cell. We develop and employ a variety of techniques ex vivo and in vivo, including  two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, electrophysiology, biosensor design,  opto/chemogenetics, molecular biology, pharmacology, and behavior analyses. For additional  information see: https://sites.wustl.edu/yaochenlab/.  

The PI is committed to mentoring and to nurturing a creative, thoughtful, and collaborative lab  culture. Washington University neuroscience community is scientifically excellent and exceptionally collegial. The School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top 5 medical schools in the  United States, with extensive infrastructural and core facility support, and a dynamic research  environment in many areas of basic and clinical science. Postdocs are also supported through a  dedicated Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and an active Postdoc Society with many professional  development opportunities. The St. Louis area combines the attractions of a major city with  affordable lifestyle opportunities. The position comes with a competitive salary and a generous  benefit package. 

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are independent and committed to scientific  discovery. The candidates should have expertise in optical imaging and are skilled in quantitative  data analyses. Experience in neuromodulator signaling, circadian rhythm or sleep biology, and  expertise in electrophysiology, animal behavior, or systems neuroscience are valued. Our work is  interdisciplinary and will benefit from diverse perspectives, including 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 of  three references.