Neuroscience Postdoctoral Position – Loukil Lab, Sanford Research

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Work Shift:

8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Union Position:

No

Department Details

Unravel How Primary Cilia Shape Brain Circuits and Drive Neurological Disease

The Loukil Lab at Sanford Research Institute seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience to investigate the roles of primary cilia in brain development function and circuitry and to elucidate how ciliary dysfunction drives pathogenic changes underlying neurological disease. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. Less than two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Our lab pioneers cilia neuroscience through:

-The first comprehensive in vivo proteomic atlas of mature neuronal cilia uncovering novel Eph/Ephrin and GABAergic signaling pathways (Loukil et al. 2025 J. Neurosci.)

-A unique Cilia-BioID2 conditional mouse model engineered for in vivo proximity labeling of ciliary signaling proteins across the brain and peripheral organ

-A defined CSNK2A1TTBK2 kinase network that governs ciliary trafficking and stability providing mechanistic insight into Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome pathways (Loukil et al. 2021 PNAS)

Visit for lab highlights.

Applications are reviewed upon receipt with early submissions strongly encouraged.

Sanford Research Institute and the Loukil Lab welcome qualified candidates who share our commitment to advancing cilia neuroscience and making transformative discoveries that improve human health.

Summary

Join a team combining molecular neuroscience mouse genetics and advanced imaging to pioneer discoveries at the underexplored ciliabrain interface. Primary cilia are sensory organelles that detect extracellular signals and transduce major pathwayssuch as sonic hedgehogto regulate embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Mutations in ciliary genes cause ciliopathies often marked by cognitive impairment motor dysfunction and brain malformations and emerging evidence implicates ciliary defects in broader neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Although compelling evidence connects ciliary signaling to neural function the precise roles of primary cilia in the healthy brain remain elusive and the molecular mechanisms by which ciliary dysfunction leads to neurological disease are still unknown.

Job Description

The Role:

• Lead in vivo studies using our Cilia-BioID2 mouse models and standard Cre-driver lines

• Learn and perform survival surgeries and advanced imaging

• Develop and optimize molecular biochemical and neuroanatomical assays

• Analyze proteomic and imaging datasets; draft manuscripts and present at international meetings

• Mentor students and collaborate across Sanford Research Institute

Were Looking For:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience Developmental Biology Cell Biology or a related discipline

• Two years or less of postdoctoral research experience preferred

• Exceptional communication organizational and collaborative skills

• Expertise in mouse genetics and in vivo modeling

• Proficiency with advanced imaging microscopy and functional imaging

• Proficiency in molecular biology and neuroanatomical techniques

• Experience with brain-related survival surgeries in mice is highly desirable but not required

What We Offer:

• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at Sanford Research Institute

• Professional development opportunities including personalized grant-writing mentorship leadership workshops and tailored career counseling

• A collaborative supportive culture that fosters teamwork and innovation

• Live and dine in Sioux Falls welcoming community: explore a thriving farm-to-table enjoy friendly neighborhood cafés and bakeries and join free outdoor summer concertsall just minutes from the lab

• Easy travel via Sioux Falls Regional Airport offering daily flights to major hubs and seamless connections for national and international travel

We welcome your applicationplease submit a single PDF containing:

• Cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position

• Curriculum vitae

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience Developmental Biology Cell Biology or a related discipline

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application please call 1- or send an email to