Scientist - Computational Neuroscience

Employer

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Location

Memphis, Tennessee

Salary

Estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role

Closing date

Jul 27, 2025

Job Description

Performs and/or coordinates a wide range of laboratory research procedures and conducts a spectrum of complex support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. Performs a variety of laboratory techniques independently and presents results.

A Scientist position is available for a highly motivated data scientist with a background in Computational Neuroscience to analyze complex time-series data from ongoing 2-photon microscopy experiments and animal behavior studies. This position is well-suited for an individual interested in transitioning from a postdoctoral position to a more stable, long-term position.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research project dedicated to identifying abnormal neuronal activities in circuits of murine models of 22q11.2 and 3q29 deletion syndromes, two rare conditions that confer the highest genetic risks of schizophrenia.

Key Responsibilities:

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  Develop and implement advanced algorithms for analyzing calcium or voltage imaging and behavior data

  
  
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  Create robust analysis pipelines to process large-scale time-series datasets

  
  
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  Test and develop new methodologies to extract meaningful patterns from complex neural data

  
  
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  Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers to translate findings into biological insights

  
  
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  Contribute to publications and presentations of research findings

  
  
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  Performs other related duties as assigned in order to meet the goals of the department and institution.

  
  
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  Maintains regular and predictable attendance

  
  

Qualifications:

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  PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields.

  
  
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  Demonstrated hands-on experience with machine learning techniques.

  
  
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  Strong programming skills (Python preferred).

  
  
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  Experience analyzing time-series data, preferably from neuroimaging or behavioral studies.

  
  
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  Knowledge of signal processing and statistical analysis.

  
  
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  Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

  
  

Minimum Education and/or Training:

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  Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific area is required

  
  

Minimum Experience:

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  Ten (10) years relevant work experience is required

  
  
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  Eight (8) years of relevant work experience is required with a Master's degree

  
  
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  Five (5) years of relevant work experience is required with a PhD

  
  

Preference will be given to applicants who have a strong background in leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine-learning techniques to solve complex problems in Neuroscience. The candidate also will benefit from an outstanding, highly collaborative work environment in which a diverse team of researchers is focusing efforts toward understanding the mechanisms of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disease behaviors at the levels of neural circuits and individual neurons, synapses, and molecules.

The Zakharenko laboratoryis part of theDepartment of Developmental Neurobiology, which houses specialized departmental shared resources, including an integrated support structure for in vivo and ex vivo neuroimaging, behavioral phenotyping, computational neuroscience, genetic engineering, and single-cell genomics. In addition, numerous institutional shared resources and core facilities support the laboratory by providing expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offers an excellent salary and benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested applicants should send their CVs and the names and addresses of 3 references to:

Stanislav Zakharenko, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Developmental Neurobiology, MS 322

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105

stanislav.zakharenko@stjude.org

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $86,320 - $154,960 per year for the role of Scientist - Computational Neuroscience.

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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