Postdoctoral Fellow

Prospective candidates will lead a cutting-edge project that integrates single-nucleus transcriptomics, epigenomic profiling, and experimental models of demyelination and repair to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying remyelination in the central nervous system. The project sits at the interface of computational, molecular, cellular, and experimental neuroscience, and is fully funded through the NIMH intramural budget.

This is an integrated computational and experimental role, not a purely computational one. The successful candidate will move between large-scale data analysis and hands-on bench work, using each to inform the other, and should be genuinely energized by both. Depending on the candidate's background and the direction of the project, experimental work may include CNS tissue processing, nuclei isolation, molecular assays, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and the use of experimental models of demyelination and remyelination to test hypotheses generated from sequencing data.

We welcome applicants from primarily wet-lab backgrounds who are actively building computational skills, as well as applicants from primarily computational backgrounds who are genuinely committed to developing hands-on experimental capability. What matters is the willingness to work across both arms of the project. This postdoc will help shape the scientific direction of the project, collaborate with colleagues whose expertise complements their own, and develop the intellectual and technical foundation for an independent research career. First-author publication on the postdoc's project is both the expectation and a priority actively supported by Dr. Merson.

Prospective candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, computational biology, or a related field, and at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal (whether published, in press, or available as a preprint under review). Applicants should also have a strong analytical foundation in biostatistics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or network biology, or clear evidence of active development in these areas.

Proficiency in Python and/or R, with a strong motivation and aptitude towards developing these skills rapidly, is highly desirable. Hands-on experience analyzing next-generation sequencing data, as well as single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-seq experience, is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to give and receive scientific feedback constructively, is also a requirement.

Prospective fellows must be collaboration-minded and be comfortable working closely with colleagues, mentoring junior lab members, and sharing expertise across their team. Prior experience in experimental models of demyelination or remyelination, CNS tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, imaging, flow-cytometry, nuclei isolation, sample library preparation, spatial transcriptomics, or epigenomic profiling is welcome but not required.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.