Post Doctoral Fellow - Neuroscience at Sanford Health

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

05 Apr, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Neuroscience, Mouse genetics, Advanced imaging, Molecular biology, Neuroanatomical techniques, Survival surgeries, Proteomic analysis, Imaging datasets, Scientific writing, Grant writing, Mentorship, Cell biology, Developmental biology, Cilia research

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We’re proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint. 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 CSNK2A1–TTBK2 kinase network that governs ciliary trafficking and stability, providing mechanistic insight into Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome pathways (Loukil et al., 2021, PNAS) Visit www.Loukil-Lab.com 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 Job Description Summary Join a team combining molecular neuroscience, mouse genetics, and advanced imaging to pioneer discoveries at the underexplored cilia–brain interface. Primary cilia are sensory organelles that detect extracellular signals and transduce major pathways—such as sonic hedgehog—to 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 We’re 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 concerts—all 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 application—please submit a single PDF containing: Cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position Curriculum vitae Qualifications Requires a doctorate degree in a clinical, health, or life science field. Management experience is highly recommended. Selected from national applicant pool or known to be nationally competitive. 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 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org. The Sanford organization owns and manages multiple distinct brands, including Sanford Health, Marshfield Clinic, and Good Samaritan, as well as Lewis Drug, Sanford Health Equip, Solutions by Sanford, Great Shots, and Blue Rock Bar & Grill. Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News. Good Samaritan, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of senior care and services, is committed to transforming the aging experience through innovation, compassion and personalized care. As part of Sanford Health, an integrated nonprofit health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Good Samaritan serves 10,000 seniors and offers access to a full continuum of care, including 94 rehabilitation and skilled nursing centers, 56 assisted living and memory care facilities, 44 independent living locations and 37 home health and hospice agencies. The senior care provider delivers services across the upper Midwest, with 70% of residents living in rural communities. Learn more about Good Samaritan’s mission and commitment to delivering high quality senior care in rural America at good-sam.com.

Responsibilities

The researcher will lead in vivo studies using Cilia-BioID2 mouse models and perform advanced imaging and molecular assays. They will also be responsible for analyzing datasets, drafting manuscripts, and mentoring students within the lab.