Postdoctoral Research Associate - Developmental Neurobiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 23, 2026
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Young-Goo Han in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology/Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Han laboratory studies the biology of primary cilia and how cilia-dependent signaling regulates cell behavior in normal development and disease, with particular emphasis on brain development, brain tumors, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Han laboratory has made important contributions to understanding the roles of primary cilia and Hedgehog signaling in neural stem cell formation, cerebellar development, medulloblastoma, neocortical growth and folding, and cilia-dependent regulation of translation and the cell cycle. Applicants who are interested in fundamental mechanisms by which primary cilia or mitochondria control cellular homeostasis and signaling are encouraged to apply.

We use a broad range of approaches, including human pluripotent stem cells, brain organoids, genome editing, high-resolution imaging, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics, as well as a unique mouse model in which neural progenitors acquire key features of human neural progenitors, driving expansion and folding of the normally small, smooth mouse cortex.

Research areas may include:

  • Primary cilia and compartmentalized signaling

  • Cell and molecular mechanisms of cilia function

  • Mitochondrial homeostasis

  • Brain development and neural progenitor biology

  • Brain tumor biology

  • Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders

Qualifications Applicants should have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree and a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, neurodegeneration, or a related field. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable: primary cilia biology, mitochondrial homeostasis, mouse genetics, imaging, biochemistry, genomics, stem/progenitor cell biology, or disease models. Highly motivated candidates with strong communication skills and a record of scientific productivity are encouraged to apply.

Environment St. Jude provides an outstanding and highly collaborative research environment with exceptional core facilities and strong support for postdoctoral training and career development. The Han laboratory offers opportunities to pursue mechanistic and conceptually innovative projects at the interface of cell biology, development, and disease.

To apply Please send:

a cover letter describing research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references

to:

Young-Goo Han, Ph.D. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital young-goo.han@stjude.org

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