Two postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Professor Santhosh Girirajan at Penn State University, focusing on the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. The lab integrates family-based human genetic studies with functional approaches to understand how genes and genetic interactions contribute to phenotypes in neurodevelopmental disorders.

The first position centers on mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, aiming to identify genetic and neural mechanisms using behavioral and neurodevelopmental assays. Candidates with a background in neuroscience or genetics and experience working with mouse models are preferred. The second position focuses on computational and statistical genetics, developing machine learning and statistical frameworks for integrative analysis of large-scale datasets, including behavioral phenotypes, brain imaging, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics from mouse model studies. Applicants with experience in computational biology, data science, or related fields and analyzing high-dimensional biological datasets are encouraged to apply.

Research keywords include neurodevelopmental disorders, mouse models, computational biology, genetics, statistical genetics, machine learning, behavioral phenotypes, brain imaging, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. The lab's recent publications and research projects highlight the importance of genetic modifiers, variable expressivity, and complex genetic interactions in neurodevelopmental phenotypes.

These postdoctoral scholar positions are based at Penn State University, a leading research institution in the United States. The positions offer a collaborative environment and access to state-of-the-art resources in genomics, neuroscience, and computational biology. Funding details are not specified, but postdoctoral roles at Penn State typically include competitive salary and benefits.

Applicants should have a PhD in neuroscience, genetics, computational biology, data science, or a related field. For the mouse models project, experience with mouse models and functional analysis of genetic variation is preferred. For the computational project, experience analyzing high-dimensional biological datasets is preferred. Interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and relevant research skills are required.

To apply, use the provided application links for each project. Review the preferred background for each position and prepare your application materials accordingly. Share this opportunity with interested colleagues.