Post-Doctoral Associate - In Vivo Imaging and Electrophysiology of Developing Cortical Networks - Smith Lab - Department of Neuroscience

Before the cortex can process sensory information, its circuits must first organize themselves. The Smith Lab at the University of Minnesota studies how this happens. We have found that distributed, modular networks with millimeter-scale correlations exist throughout the developing neocortex, and using in vivo optogenetics and computational modeling, we have shown that these networks are self-organizing and depend on local intracortical circuitry. We are now asking how early network activity shapes the circuits that emerge: by imaging, recording, and perturbing activity in vivo during development, and comparing the results against models of network self-organization.

The postdoc will lead projects combining two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology in the developing cortex, with the opportunity to shape the direction of their own work.

Recent work: Mulholland, et al. bioRxiv, 2026 * Powell, et al. PNAS 2024 * Lab website: smithneurolab.org

This is a fully funded position with excellent benefits, with the expectation of renewal for postdocs who are making good progress. Salary is commensurate with experience and will meet or exceed NIH guidelines. Postdocs are expected to apply for independent fellowship support (e.g., F32, K99/R00), and the lab provides close mentorship and support in preparing these applications.

Required qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, engineering, or a related field, received within the past two years or expected before the start date.
• Substantial hands-on experience performing in vivo experiments in mammals, using either:
  • in vivo imaging and/or manipulation of neural activity (e.g., two-photon calcium
    imaging, widefield imaging, optogenetics), or
  • in vivo single-unit electrophysiology (e.g., tetrodes, silicon probes, Neuropixels).
• At least one first-author publication or preprint based on this work.
• Experience analyzing your own data in Python, MATLAB, or a similar language.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with chronic preparations (cranial windows, chronic implants), particularly in young animals.
• Experience with both imaging and electrophysiology, or with closed-loop or patterned optogenetic stimulation.
• Interest in combining experiments with computational modeling.

The Smith Lab is a member of the Optical Imaging Medical Discovery Team (https://med.umn.edu/brain-science), a UMN initiative building a highly collaborative group of labs that use optical approaches to study the function and organization of neural circuits. The postdoctoral fellow will join a broad neuroscience community at UMN spanning systems, behavioral, and computational neuroscience, including the world-leading Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. UMN offers extensive support for trainees and has a strong Postdoctoral Association (https://pda.umn.edu/).

Pay Range: $63,480 to $77,076; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Please attach a single PDF to include:

1. CV, listing the date your PhD was (or will be) awarded and marking your first-author publications and preprints.
2. Research experience statement (1 page maximum) that addresses:
   a. One in vivo experiment you personally designed or performed: the preparation, the recording or imaging method, and which parts you did yourself (surgery, data collection,
   analysis).
   b. A technical problem you ran into in that work and how you solved it.
   c. A question raised by our recent work (see recent work above) that you would want to pursue, and how you might approach it.
3. Names and contact information for three references, including your Ph.D. advisor. Letters will be requested only for candidates under serious consideration.

Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be reviewed.
International applicants are welcome; the lab has experience sponsoring J-1 visas.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The start date is
flexible.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.