Postdoctoral Scientist - Aso Lab

Overview

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147. Current HHMI Employees,  to apply via your Workday account.

Summary:

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Aso Lab at the Janelia Research Campus. The Aso Lab is a team of interdisciplinary scientists investigating the mechanisms of learning by studying the neural circuits of the mushroom body in Drosophila and bumblebees as model systems. Our research integrates genetic tools, high-throughput behavioral analysis, EM connectomics, expansion microscopy, mass spectrometry, calcium imaging, and other advanced methodologies to elucidate how complex cognitive behaviors arise from distributed memory systems and diverse plasticity rules.

Learn more about the Aso lab. View our publications.

The anticipated start date for this position is Spring-Summer 2026.

In this position, you will contribute to projects aimed at uncovering the circuit processes that integrate memories to guide learning and navigational behaviors and the molecular mechanisms underlying diverse plasticity rules across mushroom body compartments in Drosophila, and the development of new tools for studying bumblebee brains, including transgenic lines, behavioral assays, and connectome.

The bumblebee project focuses on understanding their advanced cognitive abilities, such as observational learning and cross-modal object recognition. This position is ideal for experimentalists who are passionate about mechanistic insights into cognitive behavior and eager to develop innovative methods.

Please include the following items as part of your application:

• The opportunity to lead a project addressing fundamental questions in neuroscience
• A collaborative lab environment with strong support for your research
• A lab led by a bench scientist who values curiosity, teamwork, creativity, independence, and personal growth
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and core facilities
• Opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and learn new methods
• Strong administrative support
• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and visa sponsorship
• On-site housing, childcare, and additional resources to support work–life balance

• Design and lead your own project by formulating key scientific questions, developing experimental approaches, and conducting experiments using Drosophila or bumblebees
• Analyze results and present research findings at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences
• Stay current with the scientific literature to refine experimental approaches and integrate new concepts
• Mentor students and junior researchers
• Collaborates closely with lab members, facility staff, and research partners.

• A PhD in neuroscience or related field of the life sciences. A PhD in engineering/computation are also acceptable, depending on your skills and experience.
• A passion and persistence to explore mechanisms of learning
• The ability to design, execute, and analyze complex experiments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and discuss findings clearly in diverse settings.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle challenges creatively Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• A flexible and adaptive approach, willing to learn new techniques, share expertise, and contribute to the collective success of the team.
• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and congenial environment.

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal…