Postdoctoral Scientist – Vosshall Lab Full-time

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior at The Rockefeller University in New York City led by Dr. Leslie Vosshall. The Vosshall Lab is collaborative and inclusive group of interdisciplinary scientists investigating broad questions of the neurobiology and behavior of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dangerous viruses including dengue, Zika, and yellow fever to humans. Our lab combines cutting-edge approaches including CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing, genetics, single-cell genomics, behavioral analysis, pharmacology, cell biology, calcium imaging, and neuroanatomical mapping to understand how complex behaviors emerge from the integration of sensory input with internal physiological states.

More information about the lab’s work can be found by visiting our website:

Our publications can be found here:

About the Postdoctoral Scientist role:

This role is an ideal fit for a passionate, creative, and collaborative scientist ready to gain further professional training prior to setting up their independent career at the intersection of sensory neuroscience, behavior, and genetics, bringing passion for scientific discovery and enthusiasm for developing innovative methodologies. In this position, you’ll have the autonomy to guide your research direction while contributing both hands-on experimental work and strategic thinking to a dynamic research team. The ideal candidate thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrates strong communication skills, and is committed to professional growth and development. This role offers the perfect blend of independence and collaboration for a scientist ready to make their mark in cutting-edge research while being supported in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

The anticipated start date for this position is Fall/Winter 2025.

What we provide:

• A collaborative, intellectually vibrant lab environment that values innovation, creativity, curiosity, teamwork, and cross-disciplinary contributions.

• A lab led by a PI who prioritizes creativity, independence, and personal growth.

• A world-renowned research institution located in the cultural center of New York City.

• A strong research operations/administrative support staff.

• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.

• State-of-the-art resources and access to world-class core facilities.

• Tailored mentorship to help you thrive scientifically and establish the next stage of your career, including assistance with preparing postdoctoral fellowships, job applications, and interviews.

• Opportunities to mentor the next generation of scientists in a collaborative environment.

• Opportunities to attend scientific workshops and conferences

• The opportunity to lead an ambitious interdisciplinary project, backed by exceptional personal and scientific support.

• Opportunities to learn new methods from other fields and integrate them into broader experimental frameworks.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits

• Optional subsidized housing near the campus and on-site childcare.

• Visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates.

• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand training courses and interactive skill-building seminars, led by members of our learning and organization development team.

What you’ll do:

• Design and lead one or more independent research projects.

• Develop new experimental approaches to advance your project and the lab’s overall research efforts.

• Have the freedom to pursue your own creative ideas and build the foundation of a research program you can take with you if you choose to start an independent lab.

• Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and grants.

• Collaborate and bring your expertise to another project in the lab.

• Mentor students and research assistants to build mentoring and lab leadership skills.

• Write scientific manuscripts describing research findings.

• Attend local, national, and international meetings to present research findings, learn about the latest advances in the field, and develop a scientific network.

What you bring:

• A PhD in any area of the life sciences.

• Proven experience in independent research, with the ability to design, execute, analyze, and publish your work.

• Less than two years of prior postdoctoral research experience.
• A self-motivated mindset with the persistence to explore innovative research directions and address challenging scientific problems

• A curiosity-driven, flexible, resilient, positive, and adaptive approach to scientific research, with a passion for exploring new frontiers in mosquito neurobiology and a willingness to learn new techniques, share expertise, and contribute to the collective success of the team.

• A collaborative mindset, with a track record of successful teamwork across diverse scientific disciplines.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle challenges creatively.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and discuss findings clearly in diverse settings.

• A proactive and driven attitude, with the resilience to pursue novel research avenues and tackle ambitious scientific questions.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Meticulous approach to work with a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work successfully within and contribute to a collaborative, congenial, inclusive, and productive research environment by participating in lab and university activities, positively engaging with other lab members and promoting their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks, etc.), and mentoring junior colleagues.

Please include the following items as part of your application:

1) A cover letter detailing your interest in this opportunity and responses to the following questions:

• How have you contributed to advancing scientific understanding in your previous work?

• What scientific questions are you most excited to explore?

• How would pursuing these questions in our lab help launch you toward your future career goals?

• How do you see your skills, experience, and perspective synergizing with the ongoing work of the Vosshall Lab?

2) A current curriculum vitae including a list of publications including pre-prints with brief (2-3 sentences) descriptions of your contributions to the published work

3) The names and contact information for at least 3 references

4) PDFs of up to three most significant manuscripts, pre-prints, or peer-reviewed papers

Physical Requirements

Remaining 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. #LI-NG1

Compensation 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.

Compensation Range
$70,000.00 (minimum) – $80,500.00 (midpoint) – $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:
Annual

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. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

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Tagged as: Life Sciences