Postdoctoral Researcher (C. elegans Neural Activity Imaging and Experimentation)

Role : Postdoctoral Researcher (C. elegans Neural Activity Imaging)

Location : San Francisco CA USA (On-site)

Start Date : ASAP

Duration : Initial appointment is for 1 year with extensions (up to a total of 3 years) contingent upon performance

Announcement

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on neural activity imaging and behavioral analysis of C. elegans . This role is central to a multi-phase program aiming to record and model neural circuit dynamics with unprecedented fidelity combining advanced optical microscopy neural circuit inference and machine learning.

About

Episteme is a new type of R&D company based in San Francisco. We identify hire and bring together exceptional scientific researchers across disciplines and geographiesespecially individuals who want to pursue difficult and important problems that do not fit into the purview of traditional institutions. Our aim is to create a new path separate from academia industry and government for enabling translating and commercializing science into tangible impact.

Overview

As a Postdoctoral Researcher you will design and lead experiments that record large-scale neural activity from C. elegans using advanced optical imaging approaches. You will work closely with collaborators in optics microfluidics and machine learning to produce high-quality neural activity and behavior datasets that drive the development of circuit-level models. This role is ideal for individuals with strong experimental training in C. elegans behavioral neuroscience activity imaging and an interest in connecting data to theory.

Research Focus Areas

Whole-brain and population-level activity imaging in C. elegans (e.g. calcium or voltage indicators)

Advanced optical microscopy methods for high-throughput stable recording of small organisms

Neural circuit analysis linking activity patterns to behavior stimuli and sensory / motor function

Integration of imaging with computational models of neural dynamics

Key Responsibilities

Design and perform C. elegans neural activity imaging experiments including indicator selection sample preparation and behavioral context design

Follow a structured research plan with defined tasks and milestones

Develop and optimize protocols for stable long-duration recordings potentially including microfluidics or optogenetics integration

Collaborate with optics specialists to customize and maintain microscopes for high-quality data capture

Develop and test machine learning models for predicting neural activity and behavior from experimental datasets

Work with computational and ML researchers to align experimental output with modeling requirements

Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences

Contribute to mentoring junior researchers and fostering a collaborative research environment

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Neuroscience Biophysics Bioengineering or a related field

Strong publication record in optical activity imaging applied to neural circuits ideally in C. elegans or comparable organisms (e.g. zebrafish Drosophila )

Required : Demonstrated experience in calcium or voltage imaging for C. elegans

Preferred : Experience designing C. elegans experiments involving microfluidic sorting or optogenetic stimulation

Experience designing and executing experiments to link neural activity to behavior or circuit-level conclusions

Familiarity with data preprocessing and analysis pipelines for large-scale neural imaging datasets

Strong written and verbal communication skills and organizational skills

Ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary collaborative setting with strong interpersonal skills

Motivation to tackle ambitious high-risk / high-reward problems at the frontier of neuroscience and AI

Desire to work in a start-up company research environment

Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Application Instructions

To apply please upload the following materials along with your application in Ashby :

Curriculum vitae including a list of publications

A statement (max 2 pages) describing your research interests experience with activity imaging and your most significant scientific contribution to date

At least two (up to four) letters of recommendation (to be uploaded directly by letter writers to the link provided after application submission)

We strongly encourage early submissions. Positions will remain open until filled. For questions please contact Dr. Michael Skuhersky at

Additional Information

In addition to competitive salaries Episteme offers a comprehensive benefits package. You will be part of a collaborative effort bridging neuroscience machine learning and advanced imaging with opportunities for high-impact publications and career advancement.

Required Experience :

IC

Key Skills

Intelligence Community Experience,Python,Spss,Microsoft Word,R,Regression Analysis,Windows,Stata,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Data Modeling,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 90 - 110