Post Doctoral Fellow - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Department of Neuroscience

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Department of Neuroscience at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow.

About the Opportunity

Postdoctoral fellowship in synaptic biology and super-resolution imaging in models of Alzheimer's disease. The Hruska Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience at the West Virginia University School of Medicine is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join an exciting, fully funded program supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This position offers an outstanding opportunity to lead a high-impact project investigating the molecular architecture of synapses using advanced approaches, including STED super-resolution microscopy.

Our work seeks to uncover core mechanisms that govern synapse function and plasticity, with a particular focus on nanoscale organization of dendritic spines. We aim to understand how these highly organized molecular structures become disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and how these structural changes translate into synaptic dysfunction, reduced plasticity, circuit instability, and ultimately cognitive decline and memory impairment. Our recent findings reveal striking synapse-specific vulnerability to amyloid-beta (A), suggesting the existence of an underlying molecular logic that remains to be defined. To uncover these mechanisms, we integrate molecular biology, biochemistry, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and advanced imaging in living and fixed neurons, directly linking nanoscale synaptic organization to functional outcomes.

We are seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious, and creative scientist who is eager to lead an ambitious project. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in neuroscience or molecular and cellular neurobiology, have at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal, and possess strong expertise in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Candidates who are about to complete their Ph.D. are encouraged to apply. The ideal applicant is independent, rigorous, and excited to build a research program that connects molecular, cellular, and circuit-level neuroscience.

Department of neuroscience offers a highly collaborative, intellectually vibrant, and deeply supportive scientific environment, with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. Hruska laboratory is committed to mentorship, career development, and fostering scientific independence. This position is fully funded, ensuring long-term stability and continuity for the project. At the same time, we actively encourage and support the successful candidate in applying for competitive fellowships, as part of their professional growth and transition toward research independence.

For details about the position, please reach out directly to Dr. Martin Hruska (martin.hruska@hsc.wvu.edu).

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
* 37.5-hour work week
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
* 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
* WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
* 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
* Wellness programs

What You'll Do

* Design, plan, and execute experiments using advanced imaging techniques (e.g., confocal, STED).
* Prepare and process biological samples for imaging (e.g., tissue sections, cell cultures).
* Perform image acquisition, processing, and quantitative analysis using specialized software.
* Manipulate and analyze protein or RNA expression using molecular tools to test hypotheses
* Collaborate with lab members to interpret data and troubleshoot experiments.
* Contribute to manuscript writing, grant preparation, and presentation of results.
* Maintain detailed and organized records of experimental procedures and results.
* Present findings at national and international conferences
* Maintain high standards of laboratory organization, rigor, reproducibility, and academic integrity

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field.
• Experience working with molecular cloning/engineering of DNA constructs.
• To be considered for this position, applicants should submit a cover letter of interest addressing qualifications for the position as well as current CV/resume.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Confocal microscopy (understanding of super-resolution modalities strongly preferred)
• Ability to work independently - including designing experiments, analyze data, and write manuscripts
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Culturing/transfecting primary cortical and/or hippocampal neurons
• Experience with neurodegenerative disease models
• CRISPR-based genome engineering
• Coding skills (e.g., Java, Python)
  

Required Certifications (may be completed after hire):
* CITI Biohazards training certificate
* CITI animal training certificate
* CITI Conflict of Interest in Research certificate

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.