As a Postdoctoral Associate, the candidate will be working on an NIH-funded project investigating how cerebellar neurophysiology is disrupted by chronic glucose hypometabolism, the metabolic hallmark of GLUT1 deficiency syndrome (a genetic disorder producing ataxia). A second, complementary arm of the project examines a novel mutation in the DNA repair gene Rif1 that produces supernormal motor performance in mice, offering a contrasting model of enhanced cerebellar function. Using in vitro preparations, the candidate will dissect cerebellar circuit-level changes using a combination of electrophysiological, pharmacological and imaging-based approaches.
The candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Conducting the research independently and collaboratively with colleagues to ensure all experiments are appropriately conducted following Lab, Department, and College policies and procedures.
- Designing, organizing, and carrying out experiments using established protocols.
- Collecting, preparing and analyzing data. This includes keeping a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data.
- Tabulating data for presentations and use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
- Participating in abstract and article preparation with the Principal Investigator, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Assisting the Principal Investigator in applying for fellowship, grant, and scholarship support, as requested.
- Assuming general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory, including training and supervising interns, students, and other laboratory personnel, as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, physiology, or a closely related field.
- Familiarity with cerebellar circuit physiology and brain slice electrophysiology.
- Ability to work independently after initial training, and to document experiments to a standard suitable for reproducibility and publication.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, at least one must be from the candidate's doctoral advisor or most recent research supervisor, addressing the candidate's technical competence, independence, and readiness for postdoctoral-level research.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with imaging-based approaches in acute brain slices.
- Experience with quantitative/statistical analysis and scientific programming.
Application Process:
Application entails curriculum vitae and two (2) letters of recommendation, at least one must be from the candidate's doctoral advisor or most recent research supervisor, addressing the candidate's technical competence, independence, and readiness for postdoctoral-level research. Please submit these application documents to ChildNeuroJobs@med.cornell.edu
Commitment to Diversity
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students. We seek out individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and we work to create programs that support both our current employees and our recruitment efforts.
EEO Statement
Weill Cornell Medicine welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Appointment Term:
Appointment term is 1 year. Reappointment is determined annually.
Starting Date:
Fall 2026
Location of Appointment:
The Pascual lab is located at the Lasdon Biomedical Research Building at
1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Lab and Department Websites:
https://pediatrics.weill.cornell.edu/divisions/child-neurology
Salary:
$75,812 yearly
Benefits:
A summary of employee benefits can be found on the WCM Human Resources website.
Visa Options:
Candidates applying for this position could be eligible for a J-1 Exchange visitor visa and the H-1B temporary worker visa.
Union Membership:
This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Weill Cornell Medicine and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (“UAW”), and its Local Union, Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs United-UAW Local 4100.
Contact
- Pediatric Neurology