St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Postdoctoral Research Associate – human organoid/assembloid models of schizophre
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Lauderdale Courts, Tennessee, United States
Postdoctoral Research Associate – human organoid/assembloid models of schizophrenia-associated risks
Position:
Post-doctoral Position
Deadline:
1 May 2026
Employment Start Date:
1 December 2025
Contract Length:
5-6 years
City:
Memphis
Country:
United States
Institution:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Description:
A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in the neural circuit mechanisms of schizophrenia. Zakharenko laboratory conducts 2-photon laser-scanning microscopy imaging and electrophysiologic recordings of neuronal activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived organoids and assembloid models, with a focus on 22q11 and 3q29 deletion syndromes. These syndromes are associated with a high risk of psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia.
Preference will be given to applicants who have obtained a PhD in developmental neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields within the last 3 years and who have experience in organoid development, patch-clamp techniques, 2-photon imaging, and computational neuroscience.
The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal synaptic and neuronal activities in circuits of human models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, two rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.
Qualifications
PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field
Demonstrated hands‑on experience with hiPSC‑derived organoids
May have experience with single‑cell electrophysiology and 2‑photon microscopy
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
Research Environment The laboratory is equipped with two 2-photon microscopes and multiple tools for performing single-cell electrophysiologic experiments in brain slices or human organoids.
The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers whose efforts are directed toward understanding behavior at the levels of neural circuits, individual neurons, synapses, and molecules. The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including the following:
An integrated support structure for brain organoids
Production of genetically engineered animal and human cellular models
Single-cell profiling
Advanced image processing and analysis
Rodent behavior testing facilities
In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities provide access to advanced technologies and expertise.
Compensation & Application St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should send their CV and the names and contact information of 3 references to:
Stanislav Zakharenko, MD, PhD Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105
Address:
262 Danny Thomas Place,Mail Stop 322,Memphis TN 38105
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Post-doctoral Position
Deadline:
1 May 2026
Employment Start Date:
1 December 2025
Contract Length:
5-6 years
City:
Memphis
Country:
United States
Institution:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Description:
A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual interested in the neural circuit mechanisms of schizophrenia. Zakharenko laboratory conducts 2-photon laser-scanning microscopy imaging and electrophysiologic recordings of neuronal activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived organoids and assembloid models, with a focus on 22q11 and 3q29 deletion syndromes. These syndromes are associated with a high risk of psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia.
Preference will be given to applicants who have obtained a PhD in developmental neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields within the last 3 years and who have experience in organoid development, patch-clamp techniques, 2-photon imaging, and computational neuroscience.
The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal synaptic and neuronal activities in circuits of human models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, two rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.
Qualifications
PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field
Demonstrated hands‑on experience with hiPSC‑derived organoids
May have experience with single‑cell electrophysiology and 2‑photon microscopy
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
Research Environment The laboratory is equipped with two 2-photon microscopes and multiple tools for performing single-cell electrophysiologic experiments in brain slices or human organoids.
The successful candidate will join a diverse team of researchers whose efforts are directed toward understanding behavior at the levels of neural circuits, individual neurons, synapses, and molecules. The laboratory is part of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including the following:
An integrated support structure for brain organoids
Production of genetically engineered animal and human cellular models
Single-cell profiling
Advanced image processing and analysis
Rodent behavior testing facilities
In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities provide access to advanced technologies and expertise.
Compensation & Application St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should send their CV and the names and contact information of 3 references to:
Stanislav Zakharenko, MD, PhD Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105
Address:
262 Danny Thomas Place,Mail Stop 322,Memphis TN 38105
#J-18808-Ljbffr