Postdoctoral Scientist - Sgro & Romani Labs

Company: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
Location: Chevy Chase
Posted on: March 13, 2025

Job Description:

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.About the Labs:The Sgro Lab is part of the Computation and Theory and 4D Cellular Physiology research areas at Janelia. We take a joint experiment-theory approach to understanding how cells process information about the environment and one another to cooperate as part of emergent behaviors such as development. The lab uses both microbial and metazoan model systems for collective behaviors and development with the long-term goal of identifying best practices that cells employ to effectively synchronize and coordinate behaviors in the natural world.The Romani Lab is part of the Computation and Theory research area at Janelia. We are broadly interested in emergent behavior in complex systems. In particular, we develop theoretical frameworks to understand the mechanisms by which microcircuits in the brain encode, maintain, and dynamically update information and relate these mechanisms to behaviors.About the Role:We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist excited to lead a project focused on understanding how cells navigate complex environments, as well as encode information about complex, naturalistic environments and use this information about the environments and one another to make decisions about behavior. Working closely with experimentalists and experimental data, we aim to identify the key intracellular computations that allow cells to effectively navigate and coordinate behaviors in complex spaces.What You'll Do:

• Lead one or more independent research projects focused on linking single-cell computational properties to multicellular collective behaviors
• Collaborate closely with experimentalists to build a conceptual and mathematical framework
• Collaborate and bring your expertise to larger projects across labs at Janelia
• Have the freedom to pursue your own creative ideas and build the foundation of a research program you can take with you to an independent lab (if that's where you're headed)What You Bring:
  • A Ph.D. in physics, biophysics, neuroscience, applied mathematics, quantitative biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field with relevant expertise
  • Enthusiasm to learn new skills, apply your expertise creatively to new projects, and work collaboratively within and across labsWhat We Provide:
    • A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
    • One-on-one mentorship relationship with the lab head
    • Opportunities for close mentoring relationships with other group leaders and senior scientists across Janelia Research Campus
    • Experience building and managing scientific collaborations
    • Generous training and travel opportunities to scientific workshops and conferences
    • A supportive training environment with a high success rate at placing postdocs in academic positions and top industry and government jobs (https://www.janelia.org/where-former-janelia-postdocs-are-now)
    • Optional affordable on-site housingPhysical RequirementsRemaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.Please Note:This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.Compensation:A Postdoc 00 is compensated at a rate of $74,200.00 annually at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus.HHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. #LI-BG1Compensation and Benefits Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our site to learn more.Required
      Preferred

      Job Industries

      • Other

Keywords: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Washington DC , Postdoctoral Scientist - Sgro & Romani Labs, Healthcare , Chevy Chase, DC