Postdoc for SSPSyGene Consortium Project on Mouse Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Disorders

Dr. Anirban Paul's lab is inviting applications for a full-time postdoctoral research position specializing in mouse neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders (NPD), focusing on high-throughput experiments, data generation, and advanced data analysis. This role is part of a large-scale, multi-institutional consortium study under the NIH SSPSyGene Consortium https://sspsygene.ucsc.edu/, Assay and Data Generation Center Project#6, Cross Scale Interrogation of NPD Genes (SING). Goal is to uncover novel insights into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge techniques in spatial and single-cell transcriptomics to study the effects of gene knockouts across multiple scales, contributing to a comprehensive dataset from one hundred mouse lines with targeted neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene knockouts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead experiments to generate spatial and single-cell transcriptomic data across various developmental stages in knockout mouse models.
• Apply high-throughput molecular and cellular techniques to assess gene expression, spatial organization, and cellular diversity in neurodevelopmental contexts.
• Conduct rigorous data analysis using bioinformatics tools and frameworks to manage, analyze, and interpret transcriptomic data at multiple scales.
• Collaborate within a large consortium, contributing to multi-site data integration and reporting.
• Prepare research findings for publication and present data at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of novel experimental approaches to address complex questions in neurodevelopment.
• Mentor graduate students, technicians and provide guidance on technical skills, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biology, Neuroscience, Systems Biology, or a related field with a focus on neurodevelopment, transcriptomics, or systems biology.
• Strong background in mouse models and neurodevelopmental experiments with proven wet lab skills.
• Expertise in spatial and single-cell transcriptomics techniques and experience analyzing large-scale, high-dimensional transcriptomic data.
• A record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating a commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.
• Experience with data analysis pipelines, programming (e.g., Python, R), and bioinformatics software relevant to transcriptomics data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A highly organized, detail-oriented approach to project management, with an ability to meet deadlines and adapt to evolving project goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with neurodevelopmental disorder research or prior experience with genetic knockout models in mice.
• Experience managing and integrating multi-scale datasets, with knowledge of consortium-based data-sharing protocols and practices.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting complex datasets, identifying meaningful patterns, and translating findings into impactful publications.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the qualifications.
• CV, including a list of publications.
• Research statement (1-2 pages), describing your research background, relevant skills, and future research interests.
• Contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.