Postdoctoral Research – Cognitive and Sensory Processes Parker Laboratory

February 24, 2026

The laboratory of Dr. Jones Parker is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to study the role of the dopamine system in cognitive and sensory processes. The Parker Lab uses two‑photon imaging, miniaturized fluorescence microscopes, and fiber photometry with transgenic mice to record neural activity and transmission during behavior. The lab’s latest projects are NIH funded to determine the neural correlates of cognition and perception and how the neural circuits are modified by existing and candidate neurotherapeutics.

This work is motivated by the prospect of identifying novel treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.

The candidate will receive hands‑on training in neural imaging approaches and the processing and analysis of the resulting large‑scale imaging data. While the candidate will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects, they will have ample opportunity to develop and pursue their own research questions. Postdoctoral fellows in the lab will take the lead on writing up papers using new and existing data, and will be encouraged to present their findings at meetings and to pursue independent fellowships, grants (e.g., K‑awards), collaborations, or other activities pertaining to the candidates desired professional goals.

The candidate should be interested in using systems neuroscience approaches to better understand the function of the brain and its dysfunction in neuropsychiatric diseases. Prior experience working with animals to do in vivo recordings or working with programming environments like MATLAB, or Python are highly desired, but not absolutely necessary. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds who are highly motivated to acquire these skills.

Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing your research experience and fit for Dr. Parker’s lab, CV, 1–2 representative publications, and email addresses of three references within the online application. Review of applications will begin immediately (expected start date: Spring/Summer 2026).

Candidates should have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering, or molecular and cellular biology, or related fields therein.

• Has strong interpersonal skills
• Has strong writing skills
• Be highly motivated
• Can manage multiple tasks in an efficient, competent and productive manner
• Can work with animals

• Experience doing animal surgeries
• Experience doing in vivo recordings
• Experience analyzing large‑scale recordings of neural activity
• Experience with MATLAB, Python and R is a significant plus

Serious applicants should send application materials, including cover letter, CV, and 2–3 professional references to jones.parker.

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is a Tier 1 research campus in the heart of downtown Chicago. The university is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.