UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Department of Neurosciences
MUSC Health, Charleston, SC, United States
Job Description
The Li Lab at MUSC is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a growing and dynamic research team. Our lab studies how neuron-glia interactions shape brain development, plasticity, and disease, focusing on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and their synaptic communication with neurons. The laboratory combines in vivo imaging, molecular engineering, and systems‑level approaches in zebrafish to uncover how neural activity regulates myelination and circuit function. The program aims to establish neuron‑OPC synapses as a fundamental mechanism of brain plasticity.
Research Focus and Methodology
The work involves in vivo imaging, molecular manipulation, and quantitative analysis in zebrafish. Fellows will develop experimental strategies, perform data collection, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through publication. They will also contribute to building novel experimental tools and techniques to advance the study of neuron‑OPC synapses and activity‑dependent myelination.
Career Development and Mentorship
All trainees receive hands‑on, individualized, and compassionate mentorship. Fellows are supported in developing independent research directions, pursuing funding opportunities such as K99/R00 and fellowships, and gaining experience in cutting‑edge imaging, molecular tool development, and quantitative analysis. The lab fosters a collaborative environment with a commitment to dignity and inclusion regardless of background or identity.
Responsibilities
35%: Lead the conception, design, and execution of innovative research projects aligned with the lab’s focus on neuron‑glia interactions. Develop experimental strategies, perform in‑vivo imaging and molecular manipulations in zebrafish, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through data collection.
25%: Analyze complex imaging and molecular datasets using quantitative and computational approaches. Prepare figures, manuscripts, and presentations for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
20%: Develop and implement novel experimental tools and techniques, including molecular engineering strategies, imaging approaches, and analytical pipelines, to advance the study of neuron‑OPC synapses and activity‑dependent myelination.
10%: Provide mentorship and guidance to students and junior lab members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Contribute to team‑based projects and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MUSC and beyond.
10%: Assist with maintaining an organized and compliant laboratory environment, including contributing to protocol development (e.g., IACUC), ensuring adherence to institutional and safety regulations, and supporting general lab operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field with a strong background in cellular or molecular neuroscience, imaging or electrophysiology, molecular biology or genetics, or computational analysis.
Ability to think creatively and work independently.
Strong communication skills.
Demonstrated track record as indicated by a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests.
Additional Qualifications (Desired)
Prior experience in zebrafish is not required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform job functions in an upright, seated, and mobile position; climb stairs; work indoors and in cold temperature extremes; perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and legs; maintain good dexterity, vision and hearing; lift and carry up to 15 lbs.; operate respirator equipment; work rotating shifts; work overtime when required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E‑Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E‑Verify program, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify/employees.
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The Li Lab at MUSC is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a growing and dynamic research team. Our lab studies how neuron-glia interactions shape brain development, plasticity, and disease, focusing on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and their synaptic communication with neurons. The laboratory combines in vivo imaging, molecular engineering, and systems‑level approaches in zebrafish to uncover how neural activity regulates myelination and circuit function. The program aims to establish neuron‑OPC synapses as a fundamental mechanism of brain plasticity.
Research Focus and Methodology
The work involves in vivo imaging, molecular manipulation, and quantitative analysis in zebrafish. Fellows will develop experimental strategies, perform data collection, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through publication. They will also contribute to building novel experimental tools and techniques to advance the study of neuron‑OPC synapses and activity‑dependent myelination.
Career Development and Mentorship
All trainees receive hands‑on, individualized, and compassionate mentorship. Fellows are supported in developing independent research directions, pursuing funding opportunities such as K99/R00 and fellowships, and gaining experience in cutting‑edge imaging, molecular tool development, and quantitative analysis. The lab fosters a collaborative environment with a commitment to dignity and inclusion regardless of background or identity.
Responsibilities
35%: Lead the conception, design, and execution of innovative research projects aligned with the lab’s focus on neuron‑glia interactions. Develop experimental strategies, perform in‑vivo imaging and molecular manipulations in zebrafish, and independently drive projects from hypothesis generation through data collection.
25%: Analyze complex imaging and molecular datasets using quantitative and computational approaches. Prepare figures, manuscripts, and presentations for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
20%: Develop and implement novel experimental tools and techniques, including molecular engineering strategies, imaging approaches, and analytical pipelines, to advance the study of neuron‑OPC synapses and activity‑dependent myelination.
10%: Provide mentorship and guidance to students and junior lab members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Contribute to team‑based projects and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within MUSC and beyond.
10%: Assist with maintaining an organized and compliant laboratory environment, including contributing to protocol development (e.g., IACUC), ensuring adherence to institutional and safety regulations, and supporting general lab operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field with a strong background in cellular or molecular neuroscience, imaging or electrophysiology, molecular biology or genetics, or computational analysis.
Ability to think creatively and work independently.
Strong communication skills.
Demonstrated track record as indicated by a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests.
Additional Qualifications (Desired)
Prior experience in zebrafish is not required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to perform job functions in an upright, seated, and mobile position; climb stairs; work indoors and in cold temperature extremes; perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and legs; maintain good dexterity, vision and hearing; lift and carry up to 15 lbs.; operate respirator equipment; work rotating shifts; work overtime when required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E‑Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E‑Verify program, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify/employees.
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