Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Overview. A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Shyam Krishnakumar in the Department of Neurology/Nanobiology Institute, Yale School of Medicine. The successful candidate will use biochemical, biophysical, and optical approaches, including advanced fluorescence microscopy (confocal, TIRF, single-molecule imaging), to dissect the molecular machinery governing synaptic vesicle fusion and how it is dysregulated in epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The work will involve close collaboration with neurobiologists and clinicians to bridge molecular findings to disease-relevant contexts.

Qualifications. Applicants should possess (or be on track to receive) a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with a strong record of experimental research and peer-reviewed publications.

Required. Expertise in protein biochemistry, including recombinant protein expression and purification from bacterial and mammalian systems. Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, Western blotting, etc.). Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated scientific independence.

Preferred. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, particularly confocal and/or TIRF imaging. Familiarity with biophysical (e.g., FRET, ITC, SPR) and structural techniques (e.g. cryoEM) to characterize protein interactions Background in membrane biology or lipid biochemistry. Knowledge of neuroscience or synaptic physiology Competency in scientific programming (e.g. ImageJ, Python) for data analysis and image processing.

About the Lab & Environment. The Krishnakumar lab is a highly collaborative group with access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Yale Nanobiology Institute and the broader Yale School of Medicine research ecosystem, including advanced imaging, structural biology, and proteomics cores. Yale University provides outstanding resources for career development, including seminars, workshops, and mentorship programs.

How to Apply. Send a current CV including a list of publications, a brief cover letter describing research experience, and contact information for 2-3 professional references to Dr. Shyam Krishnakumar (shyam.krishnakumar@yale.edu )

Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and under-represented minorities.