Sarah Bottjer

The Department of Neurobiology at the University of Southern California is recruiting the first cohort for a new PhD program in neuroscience/neurobiology. This opportunity is aimed at undergraduates planning a PhD and offers full funding, including tuition, a $43,000 annual stipend, and health insurance. The program includes small-cohort training, direct faculty mentorship, and lab rotations across three faculty labs before selecting a thesis lab. Research areas span behavior, learning and memory, cell biology and physiology of neuronal signaling, development/disease/repair, sensory processing and sensory-motor integration, and systems neuroscience. Faculty use molecular, genetic, physiological, imaging, computational, and behavioral approaches across model systems from fruit flies to songbirds to rodents. The position is located in Los Angeles, United States. GRE is not required, and application fee waivers are available based on demonstrated need. Applications are due December 1, 2026. Interested applicants should use the application link in the post and also review the program labs before applying.