New

Postdoctoral Researcher -Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy

Medical College of Wisconsin
parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 403(b)
United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
May 08, 2026
Summary A postdoctoral position is available at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to study cell biology of neurons, synapses and neurodegenerative diseases. One of research goals is to understand factors and mechanisms causing synapse loss in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This project will examine neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity using electrophysiological approaches or super-resolution imaging. The group also utilizes molecular biology, cell biology, live-cell imaging, EM, multi-omics, and mouse disease models. In addition to synapse degeneration, insulin-secretion deficiency in diabetes is another focus of research. (See https://www.mcw.edu/departments/cell-biology-neurobiology-and-anatomy/people/xuelin-lou-phd). Applicants should have research skills in the relevant field, sufficient research independence and communication skills. Relevant publications in the related field or experience with patch-clamp experiments are critical. Desirable expertise can be in a) patch-clamp recordings from acute brain slices/cell cultures, b) super-resolution imaging, or c) synapse degeneration studies. The position provides opportunities to develop innovative research skills and scientific discoveries in a collaborative setting. The PI is committed to mentoring young scientists and nurturing creative thinking and scholarship. The laboratory is in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy at the main campus of MCW, a vibrant private medical school on the west shore of Lake Michigan. All applicants with relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and application review will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply through the MCW portal, and send a single pdf file including applicant's CV, research plan (one-page) and three reference letters to xulou@mcw.edu for attention. Primary Responsibilities Plan and perform experiments with strong independence.Analyze data and summarize research findings. Develop new research methods as needed. Contribute to collaborative projects.help and supervise junior team members. Other duties as assigned Knowledge - Skills - Abilities Required knowledge inbiology,chemistry,mathematics,and statistics Documentation, records managementand data utilizationskills Complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management Writing skills Qualifications Minimum Required Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in biomedical science or a related field. Minimum Required Experience: 0 years Preferred Experience: Expertise in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), synapse loss and high-resolution imaging. Experience in the related field, including synapses, neurodegeneration, pancreatic islets, or PALM/STORM/STED super-resolution microscopy) as evidenced by publications is highly desirable. Physical Requirements Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously. Work Environment Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment. Sensory Acuity Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects. Why MCW? Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options 403B Retirement Package Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered Tuition Reimbursement Paid Parental Leave Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Pet Insurance On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc. For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring - Collaborative - Curiosity - Inclusive - Integrity - Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website. MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination: The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.