Postdoctoral Fellow - Laboratory of Dr. Sam Pfaff

Job Description

Our research employs cross-disciplinary approaches (genetics, transcriptomics, circuit tracing, functional imaging, quantitative behavioral analyses) to elucidate the roles played by genes and neurons in social behavior. An ideal postdoctoral fellow candidate would have a demonstrated expertise in the following fields:

• Biochemistry and bioinformatics. We seek a candidate who has both bench and quantitative data analysis experience in transcriptomics. Using our 10X Genomics single cell transcriptome platform, we intend to characterize genes responsible for flexible behavioral modulations during social interactions in both flies and unconventional animal models, such as honey bees and paper wasps.
• We seek a candidate who is familiar with techniques for monitoring activities of neurons in vivo, such as electrophysiology and functional imaging. We are in the process of expanding our functional imaging capacity to be able to monitor neural activities as animals are behaving in a simulated naturalistic environment.
• Quantitative behavior. We seek a candidate who can use computational approaches to discover patterns in complex, animal-behavior data. How to analyze multidimensional behavioral data involving interacting animals in a comprehensive and robust manner is a major computational challenge. Yet unbiased, quantitative behavioral data is the foundation of our genetic, cellular, and neurophysiological experiments.

The most important quality for a candidate is the curiosity and drive toward understanding the neurobiology of animal behavior. We seek a postdoctoral fellow who is capable of working independently to build a robust research program by fostering collaborations (both within and external to the Asahina lab and with Salk Core personnel) to achieve their goals.

Education

A Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or computer sciences.

Experience

A successful candidate must have experience conducting independent and productive research. The specific topic of this previous research is not as important as the candidate's creativity in framing an innovative question around their expertise and curiosity.

Application Instructions

Send a CV, including contact information for at least three references who can objectively evaluate your capability as a scientist, and a statement of research interests (types of questions you would like to address in my group) to PI email @salk.edu

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What We Can Offer

The full postdoctoral salary range for wet lab opportunities is $70,000-$77,500 (see below). This range covers the entire postdoctoral training period; recent Ph.D. graduates should expect an offer at or close to $70,000 (minimum of the salary range). Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

• Any combination of characteristics.

• A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

• A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

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