Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute brings together world-class scientists across academic disciplines conducting pioneering research to transform our understanding of how the brain works – and gives rise to mind and behavior. The Institute fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment across 50+ labs, advancing insights into human health by exploring how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to becoming a more inclusive, equitable and diverse place of scientific discovery and support a culture of respect. Promoting diversity in science will help drive the transformative sciencethat can change the world.

Situated in the Jerome L. Greene Science Center on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus, the state-of-the-art building offers an environment where the highest level of scholarly scientific research takes place on a daily basis, with the benefit of being located in the heart of New York, one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

The Hillman Lab within Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist with expertise in optics, microscopy and in-vivo imaging. The successful applicant will contribute to ongoing projects developing and applying novel high-speed 3D microscopes for a range of brain imaging applications. Expertise should ideally include microscopy and optical systems design, system assembly, alignment, integration and optimization. Familiarity with light-sheet methods, scanning microscopy, cameras, spectroscopy, electronics, laser physics, and quantitative data analysis and coding skills (MATLAB / Python) are preferred, although training will be available as needed. A passion for studying the brain or prior experience with neuroscience research is also strongly desirable.

The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a related discipline (optics, physics, engineering, neuroscience, medicine). The Hillman Lab is also affiliated with Columbia University’s Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology.

Applicants are expected to be self-motivated and highly collegial and collaborative, have a creative approach to problem solving and an interest in working with multi-disciplinary teams. The Hillman lab is an energetic, diverse group with broad interests spanning imaging technology development, image analysis and modeling, and their application to answering novel questions relating to real-time brain activity and its relation to behavior, structure / function relationships, and important extensions to brain disease and human health. Candidates are expected to have strong communication skills, sound judgment and a flexible, open and collaborative style that encourages peer to peer mentoring, teamwork, cooperation and learning.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to perform original work, present results at conferences and in publications, and will have the opportunity to develop mentoring, teaching and grant writing skills, both informally and through rich postdoctoral professional development programs at the Zuckerman Institute. Individuals typically underrepresented in STEM fields as well as those with non-traditional career paths are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.

At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to creating a sustainable structure to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Columbia University welcomes and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented minorities in STEM including racially and culturally diverse applicants, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, veterans, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and gender diverse applicants.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.