Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Neuroscience

Job Description Summary

The Li Lab at MUSC is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a growing and dynamic research team. Our lab studies how neuron-glia interactions shape brain development, plasticity, and disease, with a focus on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and their synaptic communication with neurons. (https://jiaxinglilab.org/)

We combine in vivo imaging, molecular engineering, and systems-level approaches in zebrafish to uncover how neural activity regulates myelination and circuit function. Our work aims to establish neuron-OPC synapses as a fundamental mechanism of brain plasticity. As a new and well-supported lab, this is a unique opportunity to help build a research program from the ground up while driving high-impact discoveries.

We are deeply committed to mentorship and scientific development. In our lab, you will be treated first as a person, then as a scientist. We provide hands-on, individualized, and compassionate mentorship, and support trainees in developing independent research directions and pursuing funding opportunities such as K99/R00 and fellowships. You will gain experience in cutting-edge imaging, molecular tool development, and quantitative analysis. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where all members are treated with dignity regardless of background or identity.

This position offers the opportunity to shape a new and ambitious research program, access state-of-the-art imaging and core facilities at MUSC, and work in a collaborative and supportive environment with strong mentorship and career development. We are looking for scientists who are curious, rigorous, and excited to explore the beauty of neural circuits in vivo. If you are driven to ask fundamental questions and build something new, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter describing your research experience and interests, and contact information for three references.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Li Lab at MUSC is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a growing and dynamic research team. Our lab studies how neuron-glia interactions shape brain development, plasticity, and disease, with a focus on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and their synaptic communication with neurons. (https://jiaxinglilab.org/)

We combine in vivo imaging, molecular engineering, and systems-level approaches in zebrafish to uncover how neural activity regulates myelination and circuit function. Our work aims to establish neuron-OPC synapses as a fundamental mechanism of brain plasticity. As a new and well-supported lab, this is a unique opportunity to help build a research program from the ground up while driving high-impact discoveries.

We are deeply committed to mentorship and scientific development. In our lab, you will be treated first as a person, then as a scientist. We provide hands-on, individualized, and compassionate mentorship, and support trainees in developing independent research directions and pursuing funding opportunities such as K99/R00 and fellowships. You will gain experience in cutting-edge imaging, molecular tool development, and quantitative analysis. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where all members are treated with dignity regardless of background or identity.

This position offers the opportunity to shape a new and ambitious research program, access state-of-the-art imaging and core facilities at MUSC, and work in a collaborative and supportive environment with strong mentorship and career development. We are looking for scientists who are curious, rigorous, and excited to explore the beauty of neural circuits in vivo. If you are driven to ask fundamental questions and build something new, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter describing your research experience and interests, and contact information for three references.

JOB DUTIES

• 35%, Lead the conception, design, and execution of innovative research projects aligned with the lab’s focus on neuron-glia interactions. Develop experimental strategies, perform in vivo imaging and molecular manipulations in zebrafish, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through data collection.
• 25%, Analyze complex imaging and molecular datasets using quantitative and computational approaches. Prepare figures, manuscripts, and presentations for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
• 20%, Develop and implement novel experimental tools and techniques, including molecular engineering strategies, imaging approaches, and analytical pipelines, to advance the study of neuron-OPC synapses and activity-dependent myelination.
• 10%, Provide mentorship and guidance to students and junior lab members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Contribute to team-based projects and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MUSC and beyond.
• 10%, Assist with maintaining an organized and compliant laboratory environment, including contributing to protocol development (e.g., IACUC), ensuring adherence to institutional and safety regulations, and supporting general lab operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field, with a strong background in cellular or molecular neuroscience, imaging or electrophysiology, molecular biology or genetics, or computational analysis
• Ability to think creatively and work independently
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (desired, but not required) 

• Prior experience in zebrafish is not required

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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