Summary

The Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is currently accepting applications for postdoctoral fellowships in Optogenetics, Voltage Imaging, and All-Optical Electrophysiology.

This postdoctoral research opportunity offers a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, featuring world-class experts and advanced technologies and facilities. These resources provide unique career development opportunities for postdocs. Successful candidates will be under the supervision of Dr. Francois St-Pierre, a recognized leader and pioneer in the development of genetically engineered voltage indicators.

The St-Pierre lab aims to design, characterize, and deploy protein tools to accelerate neuroscience research and broader applications, with a particular emphasis on developing genetically encoded fluorescent markers/sensors and optogenetic actuators.

All-optical electrophysiology, an innovative approach that utilizes light to manipulate and record neural electrical activity simultaneously, holds great promise for advancing our understanding of neuronal computations and connectivity. For example, optogenetic activation of presynaptic neurons combined with voltage imaging of putative post-synaptic neurons could enable the mapping of functional neuronal connections.

We are seeking a dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to the development of next-generation voltage indicators and optogenetic reagents for all-optical electrophysiology. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to design and execute quantitative experiments in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, with a commitment to the highest standards of ethical, responsible, and rigorous scientific research. Additionally, the trainee will participate in professional development activities, collaborate on projects, and present findings at prestigious national/international conferences to prepare for their chosen career path.

Application Instructions: Please include a recent CV and the contact information for 2 references who can attest to your accomplishments and potential as a scientist. A short cover letter or paragraph explaining your interest in the position and apply at www.bcm.edu/careers

Job Duties

• Conducts research projects, both independently and with others.
• Purchases, sets up and maintains equipment necessary to conduct the research project.
• Teaches techniques, procedures, and experimental design to other members of the lab.
• Communicates research results during our group meetings and conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, or protein engineering, synthetic biology, electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, optics, and/or machine learning relevant fields.
• We are interested in passionate and self-motivated candidates who ask fundamentally important questions and are bold in taking innovative approaches.
• Publishing experience: Candidates must have published or submitted a minimum of 1 first-author paper in a high-impact peer-reviewed English-language journal. Co-first authors are accepted. If you have a first-author manuscript in preparation (but not submitted), please include it in your CV (with the mention “in prep”) or in a cover letter.