Postdoctoral Associate; Coleman Lab

The Coleman lab in the NYU Department of Biology and the Center for Neural Science is seeking a highly motivated and independent individual to work as a Postdoctoral Associate in New York. The candidate is expected to work onsite as of the effective start date.

This position is for a post‑PhD trainee preparing for a research scientist career path. The appointment will provide a transition to career independence through the development of professional skills, supervision by a senior scientist incorporating an individual development plan in support of training goals and those of the faculty mentor, and publication of research findings during the postdoc appointment period.

The lab studies the neurobiology of novelty: how evolution modifies neural circuits to generate behavioral diversity. Using the mating behaviors of Drosophila and the exceptional genetic access this system affords, we investigate how shared circuit architectures are retuned across species to produce behavioral innovation. Our work spans molecular mechanisms to behavioral outputs, ranging from studies of the transcriptional and molecular determinants of neuronal identity, to the circuit architecture underlying rapid evolutionary shifts in sensory preference, to the neural mechanisms of anatomy–circuit coevolution.

Projects integrate molecular genetics, functional neuroscience, quantitative behavioral analysis, and an evolutionary framework, and range from genetic or circuit dissection within a single species to comparative studies. Planned work draws on a broad experimental toolkit: genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas9, Gal4/UAS), single-cell genomics (scRNA‑seq and single-cell ATAC‑seq), in vivo functional imaging (two‑photon and head‑fixed/tethered preparations), optogenetics, and quantitative behavioral analysis (SLEAP, JAABA). Individual projects may also involve connectome analysis, confocal imaging, or pheromone profiling by GC/MS.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual starting base salary for this position is $62,500. NYU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Ideal Candidate

• recently obtained (or expect to soon complete) a PhD in neuroscience, genetics, molecular or evolutionary biology, or a related field, with a track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• strong written and verbal communication skills.
• hands‑on research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  Drosophila or other model‑organism genetics; single‑cell genomics or computational analysis of sequencing data; in vivo functional imaging; optogenetic or circuit‑manipulation approaches; quantitative analysis of animal behavior. No single applicant is expected to have experience across all of these areas.
• experience with quantitative, computational, and programming skills is an asset but not required.

We are an inclusive lab and especially value candidates who communicate and collaborate well within a team, are self‑motivated, and are enthusiastic about evolutionary neuroscience.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.