NEW YORK— Postdocs play a crucial role in science. They are experts in their field, continuously refining their skills through hands-on experience. In support of their vital contributions to neuroscience research, Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute is proud to offer the Alan Kanzer Postdoctoral Fellowships. The program is now accepting new applicants who have recently received their PhDs or will complete their degree during the 2024–25 academic year.
This is a unique opportunity for early-career scientists who are committed to exploring interdisciplinary neuroscience research, collaborating across labs and contributing to the scientific community.
“The talented group of Kanzer postdoctoral scholars are pursuing the answers to important and broad-ranging scientific questions,” said Daphna Shohamy, PhD, Director and CEO of Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute and Kavli Professor of Brain Science. “I’m excited to welcome the next group of scientists to this wonderful program, and I look forward to seeing the groundbreaking discoveries their innovative work will lead to.”
Three new Kanzer fellows, Hayley Bounds (Stanford University), Maëla Paul (Collège de France & Sorbonne University), and Sandra Romero Pinto (Harvard University), entered the program this fall. They join last year’s inaugural class, who are now beginning their second year. The fellows study a diversity of subjects—from learning, memory and perception, to neural circuits and the genetic basis of behavior. They also have the unique benefit of working under the mentorship of one or more faculty members at the Zuckerman Institute and receive support to engage with the local New York City community—both within and outside of the University.
“Our small but growing group of fellows has been a tremendously valuable source of community, both scientific and social,” said Jessica Zung, a postdoctoral research associate from Princeton University working in Dr. Gwyneth Card’s Lab. “A notable feature of the program is that fellows are explicitly encouraged to engage with the broader community. This has inspired me to be proactive about establishing new initiatives for scientific interactions and public outreach. I look forward to welcoming new fellows to the program and seeing interdisciplinary science at Zuckerman continue to thrive.”
Alan Kanzer, a member of the Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Trust, is a longtime supporter of the organization and a Columbia College alumnus, class of 1965. In addition to this fellowship, Mr. Kanzer has made possible a number of other influential initiatives at the Zuckerman Institute that value the importance of interdisciplinary research, connecting the arts and sciences, and giving back to the community, including the Alan Kanzer Artist-in-Residence, Writer-in-Residence and Innovation Scholar programs.
“The Kanzer fellowships expand our ability to open doors to the next generation of scientists who, in turn, enrich our research,” said Daniel Wolpert, PhD, chair of the program’s selection committee and a principal investigator at the Zuckerman Institute.
Learn more about the Alan Kanzer Postdoctoral Fellowship here.