We're looking for talented researchers.
We seek individuals with backgrounds in physics, biophysics, neuroscience, optics or engineering who are interested in performing challenging measurements to investigate how patterns of neural activity drive behavior.
Graduate Students
Prospective grad students should apply to Princeton's PhD programs in either Biophysics, Physics, Neuroscience or Quantitative and Computational Biology. Current or incoming Princeton graduate students interested in rotating or doing an experimental project should send a CV to Andrew Leifer to schedule a meeting.
Undergraduates
Princeton undergraduates interested in summer research or in conducting a Junior or Senior Thesis should send a CV to Andrew Leifer to schedule a meeting. It helps to get in touch early.
Undergraduates from other institutions should consider applying to the MOL/QCB SURP or PNI Summer research programs. In prior years applications have been due February 1.
Post-doctoral positions
Postdoctoral Research Associate — Custom optical instrumentation for neural measurements
Princeton University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate or a more senior researcher for developing custom optical instruments to measure and manipulate neural dynamics in invertebrates. Specifically, the Leifer Lab seeks a highly motivated applicant with a strong background in the development, deployment and use of custom optical instruments for imaging and/or precision measurement and an interest in studying living systems. The Leifer Lab studies how a biological neural network processes information, performs computation and generates actions. The lab is located within the Department of Physics and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute. The lab performs precision measurements of brain activity and behavior in the nematode C. elegans as well as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.
The ideal candidate is an excellent troubleshooter, with rigorous mathematical and data analysis skills, a proven ability to work independently, and a collaborative mindset. They will be expected to lead their own research projects, contribute to collaborative efforts within the lab, mentor junior researchers, and work collaboratively with other labs on challenging long-term projects.
The term of the appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at a more senior rank may have multi-year appointments.
Salary range: PDRA: $65,000 – $70,000/year and ARS: $73,700 – $79,000/year.
Essential qualifications:
- A doctoral degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, biophysics, neuroscience or a related STEM field
- Prior experience in the development of scientific instruments
- Prior experience in optics, optical microscopy or imaging
- Prior experience integrating hardware and software
- Fluency in mathematical concepts and manipulations
- Programming skills for acquiring and analyzing data (e.g., Python, LabView or MATLAB)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Preferred qualifications:
- History of performing difficult measurements
- Experience in one or more of the following areas of optics or imaging: fluorescent microscopy, two-photon imaging or stimulation, holography using Spatial Light Modulators, fluorescence lifetime imaging, femtosecond lasers
- Familiarity with neuroscience or another life-science field
- A demonstrated ability to use state-of-the-art instruments to address a scientific question
- A demonstrated ability to secure external funding (e.g., travel grants, PhD fellowships)
Application instructions: Applicants must apply online and must include a cover letter, a CV, and contact information for three references; however, letters of reference will only be requested for shortlisted candidates.
For inquiries about other postdoctoral opportunities, please email Andrew Leifer with a CV.
Named Post-doctoral Fellowships
Exceptional postdoctoral candidates interested in working or collaborating with the lab are further encouraged to apply to any of the following prestigious named fellowships. These are awarded competitively at the departmental level and provide additional recognition and benefits. Please also notify Andrew Leifer if you plan to apply.
- CPBF Fellowship at the Center for Physics of Biological Function. Deadline is usually October or November.
- CV Starr Fellowship at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute. Deadline is usually late Summer / Early fall.
- Robert Dicke Fellowship at the Department of Physics. Deadline is usually mid-November.