Postdoctoral Research Associate - Center for Pediatric Neurological Disorders Resaerch

A postdoctoral position is available in the Irala lab in the Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research and Department of Cell & Molecular Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Postdoctoral position – Astrocyte–Neuron interaction during brain development - Irala Lab

A postdoctoral position is available in the Irala lab in the Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research and Department of Cell & Molecular Biology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  We are looking for a highly motivated and organized individual to join our team. The applicant should have the ability to develop an innovative research plan, to collaborate effectively in a diverse and fast-paced research environment, and to have a strong desire to make a major contribution to the field of neuroscience. Experience in cellular and molecular neuroscience, cell culture, microscopy techniques, biochemistry assays and rodent work is preferred but not required. The candidate should hold a PhD in Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field.

Interested applicants should send a CV, cover letter describing why they are interested in working in our lab, and the names and email address of 3 references to: dolores.irala@stjude.org

The laboratory

The Irala lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron communication during brain development in health and disease. In recent studies, we identified the first astrocyte-secreted protein that specifically regulates inhibitory synapse formation and function in the brain, the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan Neurocan (NCAN) (Irala, et al; 2024).  Our results unveil a novel mechanism through which astrocytes control circuit-specific inhibitory synapse development in the mammalian brain. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to lead novel research directions towards the long-term goal of our lab of elucidating how neuron-astrocyte communication shapes brain connectivity. Thus, by understanding the driving forces that rule brain development, we can design therapeutic approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders.

To address these questions, the Irala lab employs confocal and super resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, cell culture of murine and IPSCs, human brain organoids, biochemical assays and omics.  

Links of interest:

https://www.stjude.org/education-training/advanced-training/postdoctoral-fellows/funding-benefits-for-postdocs.html

https://www.stjude.org/research/initiatives/pediatric-translational-neuroscience-initiative.html

https://www.stjude.org/research/initiatives/pediatric-translational-neuroscience-initiative/center-for-pediatric-neurological-disease-research.html

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment.

Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future.