Currently accepting applications--Postdoctoral Fellowship in Gene Therapy for Epilepsy

The Paradis Lab at Brandeis University is seeking a talented and motivated scientist interested in epilepsy to lead a translational project developing a novel anti-seizure therapy. Our lab discovered that the protein Sema4D regulates inhibitory synapse formation and increases inhibition in the brain on a rapid time scale (i.e. minutes to hours) both in vitro and in vivo. Our preclinical data using mouse models of epilepsy demonstrate that Sema4D treatment acutely suppresses seizure activity. In research funded by a CURE Epilepsy Catalyst Award, we seek to expand our preclinical studies of Sema4D gene therapy with the ultimate goal of developing a technology that could be used to treat individuals with epilepsy.

The ideal candidate for this position holds an MD or PhD in a relevant field and has experience with rodent seizure models, surgical techniques, and mouse EEG recordings. However, any proficient neuroscientist who is interested in augmenting their skills with training in molecular biology and mouse genetic techniques in the area of epilepsy will be given serious consideration. Successful applicants will have a strong record of productivity and have published first author papers in internationally recognized journals.

Brandeis University, located 11 miles outside of Boston with easy commuting options. has a unique, collaborative life science research community spanning Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Chemistry. Our University benefits from many shared resources including core facilities, seminars, a strong neuroscience research community, and interdisciplinary training and research programs. Dr. Suzanne Paradis, PhD is Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience at Brandeis.

In the Paradis lab, we believe that a diverse and inclusive community is a prerequisite for success in scientific discovery. We welcome people from all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, countries of origin, ages, and abilities. We do great science by working together, respecting one another, sharing our collective knowledge, and occasionally even having fun. Come join us!

Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae including email addresses for 3 references to paradis@brandeis.edu.

To become a doctoral student in the Paradis lab, you must first apply to and be accepted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Brandeis University. Typically students in the Paradis lab are accepted through the Brandeis Neuroscience PhD and Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) PhD programs. Accepted students in these programs rotate through four labs before joining a thesis lab. Prospective PhD students are welcome to contact Brandeis GSAS and/or the specific graduate programs before applying. 

We accept motivated undergraduate students on a rolling basis depending on current lab needs. Paid positions in research and lab operations are available. Prior research experience is preferred but is not strictly necessary. Interested students should apply by emailing Prof. Paradis (paradis@brandeis.edu) directly. Please note that due to the large volume of email that Prof. Paradis receives, she may not be able to respond to every inquiry.