Postdoctoral Researcher - Tracy Lab
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Summary
Dr. Tara Tracy's laboratory at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to uncover mechanisms underlying synapse dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia and to develop strategies to restore brain function.
Job description
Our research leverages innovative approaches to dissect how changes in synaptic biology drive cognitive decline and how synapses support cognitive resilience. The successful candidate will use transgenic mouse models, human iPSC-derived neurons, and/or human brain organoid models to investigate how synapses become dysfunctional in disease and identify mechanisms that support functional resilience and repair.
This is a unique opportunity to advance new research on mechanisms underlying cognitive resilience while applying these insights to the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Qualifications
Required
- PhD in Neuroscience or in a related field
- Demonstrated ability to lead independent research, supported by publications in peer-reviewed journals in a related field
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a vibrant scientific environment
- Excellent communication skills
Preferred
- Experience with transgenic mouse models or human iPSC-derived models
- Experience with electrophysiological techniques
- Experience investigating protein function, interactions, or signaling
Requirements
- PhD in Neuroscience or in a related field
- Demonstrated ability to lead independent research, supported by publications in peer-reviewed journals in a related field
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a vibrant scientific environment
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience with transgenic mouse models or human iPSC-derived models
- Experience with electrophysiological techniques
- Experience investigating protein function, interactions, or signaling
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) With 5% Employer Match
Company overview
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is the world's first independent biomedical research institute dedicated exclusively to research on aging and age-related diseases. Founded in 1999 and located in Novato, California, the institute operates as a nonprofit organization with a mission to extend the healthy years of human life. As a pioneer in geroscience, the Buck Institute brings together interdisciplinary teams of scientists to investigate the fundamental biological mechanisms of aging, recognizing aging as the primary risk factor for major chronic diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The institute operates through approximately twenty specialized laboratories focusing on areas such as cellular senescence, stem cell biology, metabolism, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. With an annual budget of approximately $37 million supported by federal grants, private foundations, and the Buck Trust endowment, the institute has established itself as a global leader in longevity research. The Buck Institute also hosts the world's largest publicly available stem cell bank and has launched commercial spin-offs like Unity Biotechnology to translate basic research discoveries into therapeutic interventions targeting age-related conditions.