At the Neuroscience Institute, our research associates gain valuable technical skills and research experience before moving onto advanced degree programs, with the aim of a career in biomedical science.

Our research associates have access to the following:

• an intellectually stimulating and collegial environment
• state-of-the-art technology and resources
• research projects led by world-class scientists in a range of disciplines that includes molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, cognition and behavior, sensation and perception, and systems neuroscience

We foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community to help our research associates excel in their career paths.

Research Associates Program Events

As part of the Research Associates Program, we offer a series of events that support the transition from research associate to graduate student. We also host events that empower our research associates through personal and professional development.

Graduate School Admissions Panel

Each year we host a panel with faculty from both uptown and downtown campuses to discuss the application process. Our faculty provide insight into what they look for in an applicant, how to craft a personal statement, and what value they place on different areas of an application.

Personal Statement Series

To assist with graduate school applications, we host a Personal Statement Seminar where we discuss key elements of the essay. The seminar is followed by a Peer Review Workshop to polish statement drafts.

Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing Panel

Every year we select a panel of our grad students to share their interviewing experience and provide pointers on how to interview. Topics cover how formal is an interview, what questions to ask current lab members, and how in-depth should you discuss your research.

Research Associates Program Roundtable

Our research associates meet quarterly to discuss research and hone their presentation skills.

Wellness Series

Research associates meet to discuss issues, encourage personal development, and foster community through planned activities.

Activities have included workshops on cultivating a competitive CV, science storytelling, financial literacy, and goal-setting.

Our trainees are invited to participate in our weekly Group Meeting, Joint Neuroscience Colloquia series, and Seminars by Postdocs in Neuroscience: Extramural Series (SPiNES). These events provide a chance for research associates to engage with the neuroscience community. Through our speaker series you are exposed to different areas of neuroscience across trainee levels (grad students, post docs, and even external principal investigators) and have the opportunity to ask questions.

As a member of the NYU Langone organization, you will be eligible for benefits. Research associate salaries range from $42,500 to $45,000 per year. We encourage all interested students and recent graduates to apply, and we accept international applicants on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

The application portal for the upcoming cycle will open on January 16, 2024.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 19, 2024. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.

You will need the following to apply:

• CV
• a one (1) page statement of purpose
• two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
  • You will be asked to provide the contact information for your two recommenders, and we will contact them directly to upload their letters.

Apply via our online application portal.

For questions about the program or the application process, please email Gabriela Serrano, Senior Project Coordinator, at Gabriela.Serrano@NYULangone.org.

Participating Labs

Below are the labs participating in the 2024 Research Associates Program. Please note that other labs may be added to this list throughout the cycle. Should a lab join mid-cycle which you are interested in, please reach out to Gabriela.Serrano@NYULangone.org.

Carter Lab

The laboratory of Adam Carter, PhD, studies neural circuits involved in cognitive and motivated behaviors. We use a wide range of techniques, including anatomy, imaging, slice and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavior, to study cells and synapses in the cortex, thalamus and striatum. We are looking for a full-time research associate to participate in new research projects to study how subcortical signals are routed through higher-order thalamus to the frontal cortex. Responsibilities include animal husbandry, stereotaxic surgeries, fluorescence microscopy, and behavioral experiments using in vivo photometry, electrophysiology, and two-photon microscopy. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related discipline, previous research experience, good organizational skills, and the ability to make a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Carter Lab.

Dasen Lab

The laboratory of Jeremy S. Dasen, PhD, studies the development and function of the motor system, using mouse, chick, and other vertebrate model systems. Familiarity with research in the neurosciences is desired but not required. The research associate position requires familiarity with the principles behind basic molecular biology techniques and genetic analyses of mice. This includes some laboratory experience in molecular cloning and analysis of recombinant DNA, both from bacterial strains and from genomic DNA isolated from mouse tissues. The applicant should also be familiar with principles behind performing polymerase chain reactions (PCR), animal research, and histological analysis of tissue sections. The applicant will receive additional training on the execution of these methodologies by the employer. Applicant must have a BS or BA in biomedical, physical, or natural sciences. A minimum commitment of two years is desired. Learn more about the Dasen Lab.

Evrony Lab

The laboratory of Gilad D. Evrony, MD, PhD, is a new lab at NYU Langone whose mission is to understand the mechanisms by which the genome builds the brain and to identify the molecular–genetic defects underlying neuropsychiatric diseases whose causes are not known. The lab is focused on creating foundational new technologies for genomics and neuroscience in order to answer these questions. We are looking for individuals who would like hands-on experience in creating new technologies to study the brain and the genome. This experience will serve as a solid training experience for a future career in medicine or research. Responsibilities include independently designing and carrying out molecular biology experiments, providing general research support for graduate students and postdocs, and maintaining laboratory supplies. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field of science or engineering and be able to commit to the role for two years. Applicants should also be motivated, organized, detail oriented, and work well in interdisciplinary collaborative teams. Previous research experience and good communication skills are a plus. Learn more about the Evrony Lab.

Froemke Lab

The laboratory of Robert C. Froemke, PhD, studies how biological systems adapt and learn to improve behavior using a range of techniques, including in vivo whole-cell recording, two-photon microscopy, whole-brain circuit mapping, and long-term behavioral monitoring. One particular area of focus is the circuits and molecular cues (for example, hypothalamic hormones such as oxytocin) throughout the brain and body that are important for neuroplasticity and other changes essential for maternal care of infants. We are seeking a research associate to assist in a project examining the how auditory circuits in the mouse brain enable maternal behavior in response to pup vocalizations. In order to provide appropriate care, mouse moms and alloparents must detect and categorize vocalizations with different meanings, and facilitate behavior in response, for example, recognizing infant distress calls from lost pups and retrieving them to the warmth of the nest. (Marlin et al. Nature 2015; Carcea et al. Nature 2021; Valtcheva et al. Nature 2023). We aim to understand how corticofugal projections from the auditory cortex to subcortical auditory areas shape behavioral and neural responses to calls. The RA will assist in this project by performing viral tracing surgeries, ethological behavioral assays, and chemo- and optogenetic manipulations in behaving mice. Experience with mouse handling and surgery is a plus but not required. The position would be a great fit for someone who’s interested in or curious about applying to PhD programs. Learn more about the Froemke Lab.

Lin Lab

The laboratory of Dayu Lin, PhD, focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms of social behaviors, including aggression, maternal behaviors, and sexual behaviors. We use a wide range of molecular, functional manipulation, and recording tools. We seek a highly self-motivated individual to join the lab. Responsibilities include ordering reagents and equipment, maintaining mouse colonies, genotyping, assisting with animal protocols, and maintaining normal lab operation. The individual is also expected to carry out some wet bench experiments and has the opportunity to conduct an independent project, if desired. Individuals with experience in lab management and animal research are preferred. We require a two-year minimum commitment. Learn more about the Lin Lab.

Movshon and Chung Labs

This is a joint position between the labs of J. Anthony Movshon, PhD, and SueYeon Chung, PhD. The Movshon Lab studies visual processing in non-human primates. We study how the neural activations in various brain areas support our perceptual abilities. The duties include participating in experiments and analyzing neurophysiological recordings (spike curation, writing analysis code). The Chung Lab studies neural representations in artificial networks and the brain. We study why certain features in neuronal population activity are efficient for neuronal processing. The duties include understanding the theory developed in the lab, writing code to simulate neural populations, and writing code to implement the theoretical measures on neural data (including using the high-performance computing cluster).

Nagel Lab

The laboratory of Katherine Nagel, PhD, studies multi-sensory integration and navigation using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and other arthropod species. We are interested in how brains take input from multiple sensory modalities and build internal representations that allow them to navigate the world in search of goals. We are also interested in how evolution and development shape brain structure to allow for different kinds of computations and behaviors. A particular interest of the lab is how flies and other animals use odor cues to find food. We welcome students interested in neuroethology, neural circuits and behavior, and computational analysis and modeling at any level. Coding experience in any language is helpful, as are good organizational and communication skills. We offer a welcoming and supportive environment with many internal and external collaborations. Learn more about the Nagel Lab.

Rinberg Lab

The laboratory of Dmitry Rinberg, PhD, studies how olfactory information is represented in the brain and how the brain extracts information relevant for behavior. Our lab uses a wide range of techniques including imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral experiments coupled with optogenetic stimulation (including two-photon holography) to understand how spatiotemporal neural codes are read by the brain and evoke behavior. We are looking for a research associate to assist with behavioral and imaging experiments under the supervision of a senior researcher. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in exciting new projects and learn new techniques. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a lab and be able to make a two-year commitment. We prefer someone with a background in neuroscience and familiarity with computer programming languages (Python, MATLAB). Learn more about the Rinberg Lab.

Ringstad Lab

The laboratory of Niels Ringstad, PhD, has a position available for a postbaccalaureate research associate interested in studying behavioral genetics and using live-cell imaging to determine how molecular pathways influence the function and development of neural circuits. Our research group studies the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, which has a completely defined neural connectome, a rich behavioral repertoire, and powerful genetics. We focus on behaviors and circuits that use neuropeptides, serotonin, and dopamine. We are also using the behaviors of C. elegans to identify psychoactive compounds derived from novel natural products. Projects in the laboratory offer the opportunity to learn molecular genetics, bioinformatics, optical methods for recording neural activity, and machine-vision-based behavior analysis. Learn more about the Ringstad Lab.

Salzer Lab

The laboratory of James L. Salzer, MD, PhD, is looking for a research associate to join a major research program focused on characterizing the interactions of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system with axons during development and in mouse models of demyelinating disease. The research associate will be supervised by a senior scientist and Dr. Salzer. The position involves generating and characterizing genetically modified mouse lines, including by RNAseq and proteomic approaches. Prior experience with mouse husbandry, perfusion and sectioning, immunofluorescence analysis, or molecular biology is helpful but not essential. Research associates in the lab are also expected to assist with ordering lab supplies, maintaining lab stocks, and completing lab regulatory forms. Learn more about the Salzer Lab.

Schoppik Lab

The laboratory of David Schoppik, PhD, studies the development, function, and dysfunction of the vestibular system. We wonder about things such as “How do you build a brain that can balance a body?” and “How can we use what we know about balance to understand brain disorders?” We use an exciting and powerful model system, baby zebrafish, to make progress on these fundamental questions. We are looking for someone who is excited to be part of a supportive team of bright and capable scientists. Previous technicians have published their own papers, built microscopes, and recorded electrical activity from neurons while a fish was trying to balance. They have gone onto either PhD or MD programs. For this position, temperament is more important than any particular skill: you need to be honest, excited to learn new things, and comfortable making mistakes. It helps if you can already code (any language), but it is more important that you’re willing to learn. Learn more about the Schoppik Lab.

Shoham Lab

The laboratory of Shy Shoham, PhD, is seeking two research associates. The Neural Interface Engineering Lb (NIEL) at NYU Langone aims to develop groundbreaking neuroimaging and neuromodulation technologies for clinicians and researchers. We are part of the Neuroscience Institute and the Tech4Health Institute, which strives to develop novel medical and research technologies for the NYU and NYU Langone community. We are looking for a full-time research associate to support this goal. Candidates with a myriad of technical skill sets will be considered, including biological and physical sciences, as well as engineering disciplines. Candidates must be organized, communicate effectively with members of the lab, and work closely with the lab manager on day-to-day lab operations. Applicants must have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, physics, computer sciences, or similar, and should be scientifically curious and motivated to contribute to the research process.

Sippy Lab

The laboratory of Tanya C. Sippy, MD, PhD, studies how sensory representations are translated into action. We focus our work on the basal ganglia and relevant input and output structures. We aim to understand how sensory representations change when they become associated with goal-directed movements. We aim to translate our findings to models of psychiatric disease including depression, psychosis, and addiction utilizing calcium imaging (one- and two-photon imaging), and electrophysiological in vivo and in vitro techniques. We are seeking a research associate who will be responsible for conducting independent basic science experimentation, data analysis, and other lab duties under the mentorship of a senior scientist. This individual is expected to seek to build a portfolio of research accomplishments in preparation for acquiring a higher degree, preferably a PhD or MD/PhD in neuroscience or a related field. Learn more about the Sippy Lab.

Tritsch Lab

The laboratory of Nicolas Tritsch, PhD, is seeking a full-time research associate to help with our efforts understanding how large ensembles of brain cells make sense of the sensory world to best inform our actions. We use a combination of state-of-the-art experimental approaches in rodents, including multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, high-channel count silicone probe recordings, three-dimensional kinematic analyses, and closed-loop optogenetic manipulations. We are looking for scientifically curious and self-motivated candidates with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science or equivalent to join our team. Candidates with a background in biomedical sciences will be considered provided they have some programming experience. Responsibilities include writing code in MATLAB or Python to analyze and curate large electrophysiological and image-based datasets, contributing to the design and assembly of recording equipment, carrying out and interpreting experiments, presenting findings at meetings, and publishing biomedical research articles. Applicants should be prepared to make a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Tritsch Lab.

Learn more about open positions at the Neuroscience Institute.

Post-Program Placement