Postdoctoral Fellow in Developmental Neuroscience

The Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), in Bethesda MD is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to join our laboratory studying neurodevelopment.

GABAergic inhibitory interneurons are an extremely heterogeneous cell population with distinct morphologies, connectivity, neurochemical markers, electrophysiological properties and transcriptomes. Abnormal development and function of interneurons has been linked to the pathobiology of numerous brain diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. Recent studies have found that many disease-associated genes are expressed in immature interneurons. Thus, a thorough description of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating interneuron fate and maturation is critical to understand both normal development and disease models.

To this end, our lab utilizes cutting-edge techniques to characterize the genetic, epigenetic and environmental mechanisms in the mouse embryonic forebrain that regulate the diversity and maturation of interneurons. These approaches include (but are not limited to) single cell sequencing technologies (scRNA-seq, snATAC-seq and Multiome), stem cell differentiations, in utero electroporation, cell transplantations and numerous approaches to manipulate gene expression. For more information about the scientific questions we explore, ongoing projects, our team and publications, please visit the lab website: https://science.nichd.nih.gov/confluence/display/petros/Home

Skills and Qualifications:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. in neuroscience, developmental biology, cell biology, genetics or related discipline

• Strong work ethic and ability to design, carry out and analyze independent projects that encompass the overall theme of the lab

• Candidates with a strong background in bioinformatics, neurodevelopment, genetics, epigenetics, and/or stem cell cultures are strongly encouraged to apply

Full Federal benefits including salary, leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401k equivalent) will be provided. Salary is commensurate with research experience and accomplishments.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, a statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 letters of reference to Dr. Timothy Petros (tim.petros@nih.gov). 

This position is subject to a background investigation. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs

HHS, NIH and NICHD are Equal Opportunity Employers