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Postdoctoral Researcher – Human Motor Neuron Identity

Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher – Human Motor Neuron Identity

Location

Campus

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $62,400 - $70,000

Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

Determined by supervisor.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Rank

Rank Post Doc

Unionized Position Code

Not Applicable

Job Description

The Smith Lab invites applications for an exceptional Postdoctoral Researcher to join our newly established group investigating the mechanisms of motor neuron development, from C. elegans to humans. Using terminal selector transcription factors as an entry point, our lab asks how post-mitotic neurons acquire and maintain their identities across a lifetime and what happens when that identity fails.

The successful candidate will lead a research program investigating the transcriptional basis of motor neuron identity in human ESC -derived motor neurons, with relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders and motor neuron disease. This is a foundational line of research for the lab, and the person who takes it on will have real ownership over its direction.

This position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific independence. The successful candidate will direct and manage a brand-new tissue culture room dedicated solely to this project, shape the experimental strategy from an early stage, and receive active mentorship toward an independent career in academia or an advanced research role in industry.

Qualifications

• A PhD (awarded, or within ~6 months of completion) in neuroscience, stem cell or developmental biology, molecular/cell biology, genetics, or a related field.


• Demonstrated hands-on expertise maintaining and differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and/or iPSCs) into neural/neuronal lineages.


• At least one first-author publication (published, in press, or preprint) demonstrating the ability to carry a project to completion.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present work at meetings and contribute to manuscripts and grants.


• Training or strong interest in developmental biology and neuroscience.


• As an early member of a growing lab, the applicant should expect to help shape lab culture, mentor PhD students, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.


• Preferred: publications or hands-on experience in motor neuron differentiation, developmental biology, and/or transcriptomic and genomic approaches (e.g., RNA -seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC -seq, CUT & RUN /ChIP-seq).

Responsibilities

• Perform research tasks as outlined by project needs and the principal investigator. This primarily includes designing, performing, and analyzing experiments.


• Disseminate findings through publications, conferences, and seminar presentations.


• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

N/A

Tools/Equipment

N/A

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro‑area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class‑leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post‑9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.