"Postgraduate Associate"

A post-graduate research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Hyojung Seo in the Department of Psychiatry (https://seolab.yale.edu/). The research focus of the laboratory is to understand how the brain regulates cognition and motivation via large-scale neural networks connecting prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions in non-human primates. We combine electrophysiology, chemogenetic circuit manipulation and computational modeling to analyze neural network dynamics that give rise to complex behavior. In collaboration with Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang in the Department of Genetics, we also test therapeutic gene editing in non-human primates.

Mentoring

The candidate will receive mentoring from the members and the collaborators of the lab. The candidate will meet with the PI regularly to discuss his/her progress and productivity. The candidate will participate and present at weekly journal clubs and have opportunity to learn about topics/issues in cognitive neuroscience as well as state-of-the-art methods of network analyses.

Training

The candidate will work closely with graduate students and receive basic training to rigorously use experimental methods such as electrophysiology and chemogenetics, and to analyze high-dimensional neural data. The candidate will receive training for surgical skills for delivery of genetic tools (e.g. DREADD, CRISPR) into the brain. Under the guidance of supervisor (PI), the candidate will learn how to apply mathematical methods/models in an interpretable and biologically-relevant way.

Education/Experience

Candidates should have a B.A./B.S. in biological science/neuroscience/biomedical engineering or related fields. Prior lab experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with research experience in machine learning and artificial neural networks, are strongly encouraged to apply. Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.

Additional Information

The Postgraduate Associate position is one year in duration with a salary of $3700/month. Postgraduate positions are open to those who have recently received a bachelor and/or master’s degree, but not doctoral degrees.

Application process

Interested applicants should send their applications to Dr. Hyojung Seo (hyojung.seo@yale.edu). The application should include: (1) CV; (2) A brief statement of research interests; (3) Contact information for 2-3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.