Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute (the Zuckerman Institute) brings together world-class researchers from varied scientific disciplines to explore aspects of the mind and brain, through the exchange of diverse ideas and active collaboration. The Zuckerman Institute’s home, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. Situated in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, the Zuckerman Institute houses over 50 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary and diverse approaches to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative and inclusive environment, experimental, computational, and theoretical labs work together to gain critical insights into how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.
The Mason Lab within the Zuckerman Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to perform research on the development of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mouse, specifically how cell fate is specified with regard to the binocular circuit. We use cellular and molecular tools to unravel the biological steps in this process, including cellular imaging, transcriptomics, proteomics, stem cell approaches, and behavior. A new focus is on the role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), in neurogenesis and cell specification. We collaborate with labs in Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Neuroscience at Columbia, both within the Zuckerman Institute and on the various Columbia campuses, and researchers internationally. We seek individuals who are highly motivated and collaborative, and who wish to further develop their critical thinking and scientific independence. In turn, the candidate will have ample opportunity to engage in the latest technologies, publish high quality research, gain professional skills in fellowship application and career progression, present their work, and network in the field of neuroscience and ophthalmology.
Preferred Qualifications
The applicant should ideally have a strong interest in developmental neurobiology and/or visual system development and regeneration. Applicants with knowledge of cell biology techniques, live/computer assisted imaging, tissue culture, human/mouse embryonic stem cell technology, and/or ‘omics technology are preferred.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or doctorate in Neuroscience, Biology or related field. Exceptionally strong candidates with training in a different STEM field and highly motivated to transition to neuroscience may also be considered.
At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to creating a sustainable structure to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
Columbia University welcomes and strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented minorities in STEM (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Americans or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders), individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, veterans, individuals with disabilities and women (particularly from the above categories).
Inquiries can be sent directly to Dr. Carol Mason at [email protected].
Interested candidates will be required to submit:
- CV
- Statement of Research
- Three (3) Professional References (references should be familiar with the candidate’s work)