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Department Details

Unravel How Primary Cilia Shape Brain Circuits and Drive Neurological Disease

The Loukil Lab at Sanford Research Institute seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience to investigate the roles of primary cilia in brain development, function, and circuitry, and to elucidate how ciliary dysfunction drives pathogenic changes underlying neurological disease. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. Less than two years of postdoctoral experience is preferred.

Our lab pioneers cilia neuroscience through:

-The first comprehensive in vivo proteomic atlas of mature neuronal cilia, uncovering novel Eph/Ephrin and GABAergic signaling pathways (Loukil et al., 2025, J. Neurosci.)

-A unique Cilia-BioID2 conditional mouse model engineered for in vivo proximity labeling of ciliary signaling proteins across the brain and peripheral organ

-A defined CSNK2A1–TTBK2 kinase network that governs ciliary trafficking and stability, providing mechanistic insight into Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome pathways (Loukil et al., 2021, PNAS)

Visit www.Loukil-Lab.com for lab highlights.

Applications are reviewed upon receipt, with early submissions strongly encouraged.

Sanford Research Institute and the Loukil Lab welcome qualified candidates who share our commitment to advancing cilia neuroscience and making transformative discoveries that improve human health.

Summary

Job Description Summary
Join a team combining molecular neuroscience, mouse genetics, and advanced imaging to pioneer discoveries at the underexplored cilia–brain interface. Primary cilia are sensory organelles that detect extracellular signals and transduce major pathways—such as sonic hedgehog—to regulate embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Mutations in ciliary genes cause “ciliopathies,” often marked by cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and brain malformations, and emerging evidence implicates ciliary defects in broader neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Although compelling evidence connects ciliary signaling to neural function, the precise roles of primary cilia in the healthy brain remain elusive, and the molecular mechanisms by which ciliary dysfunction leads to neurological disease are still unknown.

Job Description

The Role:

Lead in vivo studies using our Cilia-BioID2 mouse models and standard Cre-driver lines
Learn and perform survival surgeries and advanced imaging
Develop and optimize molecular, biochemical, and neuroanatomical assays
Analyze proteomic and imaging datasets; draft manuscripts and present at international meetings
Mentor students and collaborate across Sanford Research Institute

We’re Looking For:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline
Two years or less of postdoctoral research experience preferred
Exceptional communication, organizational, and collaborative skills
Expertise in mouse genetics and in vivo modeling
Proficiency with advanced imaging microscopy and functional imaging
Proficiency in molecular biology and neuroanatomical techniques
Experience with brain-related survival surgeries in mice is highly desirable but not required

What We Offer:

Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at Sanford Research Institute
Professional development opportunities, including personalized grant-writing mentorship, leadership workshops, and tailored career counseling
A collaborative, supportive culture that fosters teamwork and innovation
Live and dine in Sioux Falls’ welcoming community: explore a thriving farm-to-table, enjoy friendly neighborhood cafés and bakeries, and join free outdoor summer concerts—all just minutes from the lab
Easy travel via Sioux Falls Regional Airport, offering daily flights to major hubs and seamless connections for national and international travel

We welcome your application—please submit a single PDF containing:

Cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position
Curriculum vitae

Qualifications

Requires a doctorate degree in a clinical, health, or life science field.

Management experience is highly recommended. Selected from national applicant pool or known to be nationally competitive.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Post Doctoral Fellow - Neuroscience