At the Neuroscience Institute, our research associates gain valuable technical skills and research experience before moving on to advanced degree programs, with the aim of a career in biomedical science.

Our research associates (RAs) have access to the following:

• an intellectually stimulating and collegial environment
• state-of-the-art technology and resources
• research projects led by world-class scientists in a range of disciplines that includes molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, cognition and behavior, sensation and perception, and systems neuroscience

We foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community to help our research associates excel in their career paths.

Research Associates Program Events

As part of the Research Associates Program, we offer a series of events that support the transition from research associate to graduate student. We also host events that empower our research associates through personal and professional development.

Graduate School Admissions Panel

Each year we host a panel with faculty from both uptown and downtown campuses to discuss the application process. Our faculty provide insight into what they look for in an applicant, how to craft a personal statement, and what value they place on different areas of an application.

Personal Statement Series

To assist with graduate school applications, we host a Personal Statement Seminar where we discuss key elements of the essay. The seminar is followed by a Peer Review Workshop to polish statement drafts.

Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing Panel

Every year we select a panel of our grad students to share their interviewing experience and provide pointers on how to interview. Topics cover how formal is an interview, what questions to ask current lab members, and how in-depth should you discuss your research.

Research Associates Program Roundtable

Our research associates meet quarterly to discuss research and hone their presentation skills.

Wellness Series

Research associates meet to discuss issues, encourage personal development, and foster community through planned activities.

Activities have included workshops on cultivating a competitive CV, science storytelling, financial literacy, and goal-setting.

Our trainees are invited to participate in our weekly Group Meeting, Joint Neuroscience Colloquia series, and Seminars by Postdocs in Neuroscience: Extramural Series (SPiNES). These events provide a chance for research associates to engage with the neuroscience community. Through our speaker series you are exposed to different areas of neuroscience across trainee levels (grad students, post docs, and even external principal investigators) and have the opportunity to ask questions.

The Research Associate position is a salaried, full-time position eligible for benefits under NYULH or NYU (depending on the lab). Research associate salaries start at $47,033 per year. We encourage all interested students and recent graduates to apply, and we accept international applicants on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

The application portal for 2025 is now open.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 15, 2025. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.

You will need the following to apply:

• CV
• a one (1) page statement of purpose
• two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
  • You will be asked to provide the contact information for your two recommenders, and we will contact them directly to upload their letters.

Apply via our online application portal.

For questions about the program or the application process, please email Gabriela Serrano, Administrative Manager, at Gabriela.Serrano@NYULangone.org

Participating Labs

Below are labs participating this cycle in the 2025 Research Associates Program. Please note that other labs may be added to this list throughout the cycle.

Carter Lab

The laboratory of Adam Carter, PhD, studies neural circuits involved in cognitive and motivated behaviors. We use a wide range of techniques, including anatomy, imaging, slice and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics and behavior, to study cells and synapses in the cortex, thalamus and striatum. We are looking for a full-time research associate to participate in new research projects to study how subcortical signals are routed through higher-order thalamus to the frontal cortex. Responsibilities include animal husbandry, stereotaxic surgeries, fluorescence microscopy, and behavioral experiments using in vivo photometry, electrophysiology, and 2-photon microscopy. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related discipline, previous research experience, good organizational skills, and ability to make a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Carter lab.

Constantinople Lab

The laboratory of Christine Constantinople, PhD, studies the mechanisms by which neural circuits compute and represent cognitive variables subserving decision-making. We are particularly interested in value-based decision-making behaviors, and our long-term vision will be to understand the synaptic and circuit basis of neural computations guiding economic decision-making. Using high-throughput training of rats to combine sophisticated behavioral paradigms with large-scale electrophysiology, imaging, and circuit perturbation techniques including pharmacology and optogenetics. We are looking for a highly motivated research technician to assist with animal training and lab management duties. There is also an opportunity to conduct an independent research project, which can include anatomy or photometry experiments, and/or computational modeling. Learn more about the Constantinople Lab.

Emperador Melero Lab

The laboratory of Javier Emperador Melero, PhD, focuses on the assembly and molecular organization of the protein machineries that underlie the function of synapses. Our ultimate goal is to apply this fundamental knowledge to design strategies that enhance information processing across the brain. Learn more about the Emperador Melero Lab.

We are a newly established lab seeking a research associate to assist broadly with the initial setup of the lab and the development of research projects. The key responsibilities will include designing and performing experiments, assisting with administrative tasks and lab management, and contributing to the maintenance of the mouse colony.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in biomedical or physical sciences or in a related field. A minimum two-year commitment is required. Experience in cellular biology, molecular biology, and/or rodent handling will be highly valued. The selected candidate will receive additional training and support for the next steps of their career.

Evrony Lab

The laboratory of Gilad D. Evrony, MD, PhD, is a new lab at NYU Langone whose mission is to understand the mechanisms by which the genome builds the brain and to identify the molecular–genetic defects underlying neuropsychiatric diseases whose causes are not known. The lab is focused on creating foundational new technologies for genomics and neuroscience in order to answer these questions. We are looking for individuals who would like hands-on experience in creating new technologies to study the brain and the genome. This experience will serve as a solid training experience for a future career in medicine or research. Responsibilities include independently designing and carrying out molecular biology experiments, providing general research support for graduate students and postdocs, and maintaining laboratory supplies. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field of science or engineering and be able to commit to the role for two years. Applicants should also be motivated, organized, detail oriented, and work well in interdisciplinary collaborative teams. Previous research experience and good communication skills are a plus. Learn more about the Evrony Lab.

Jeurissen Lab

The laboratory of Danique Jeurissen, PhD, studies how the brain recovers higher cognitive functions such as decision making after cortical damage. Our lab uses new tools (optogenetics, chemogenetics, pharmacology, and large-scale neural recordings) to better understand this recovery process. Research questions focus on the role of parietal and frontal brain regions that are important for cognitive function and how activity in these areas change after damage/inactivation. Another line of work focuses on the role of reward in the recovery process.

We are looking for a RA with experience training and handling large animals and/or with (neural) data analysis and programming. Responsibilities include performing behavioral experiments; programming custom software for experiments and data analysis; health care procedures; animal care; 3D printing and hardware design; maintaining a clean and safe working environment; assisting with electrophysiology experiments; organizing the lab, ordering supplies, and performing other job-related duties as assigned. Applicants should be willing to make a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Jeurissen lab.

Liddelow Lab

The laboratory of Shane A. Liddelow, PhD, is seeking an inquisitive, motivated, and fun person to help us investigate glia in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma. Successful applicants ideally have prior experience in animal handling; cell culture (particularly glial cell purification); molecular biology (qPCR, in situ hybridization, RNA sequencing); and biochemistry (western blotting, protein purification). Additional experience working with peripheral immune cells, exosome purification, and mouse behavioral testing is a plus. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biomedical, neurosciences, or a related field and should be able to organize their time effectively, keep meticulous written records, and communicate effectively with members of the lab. Be prepared to make at least a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Liddelow Lab.

Mosberger Lab

The laboratory of Alice C. Mosberger, PhD, is seeking a full-time research associate to join our effort towards dissecting the sensorimotor circuits that orchestrate skilled arm movements. Our lab uses novel behavior paradigms and combines them with intersectional anatomical mapping, state-of-the-art neural circuit and muscle recordings, pathway-specific manipulations, and computational analysis.

We are looking for a scientifically curious and highly motivated candidate who will be responsible for conducting independent basic science experiments, data analysis, and other lab duties under the mentorship of a senior scientist. Some familiarity with histology, behavioral assays, and programming experience is preferred but not necessary. Responsibilities and training opportunities will include: contributing to the design and assembly of behavior and recording equipment, carrying out and interpreting experiments (behavior, histology, neural recordings), presenting findings at meetings, mouse colony and lab management. Applicants should be prepared to make a two-year commitment. Learn more about the Mosberger Lab.

Schoppik Lab

The laboratory of David Schoppik, PhD, studies the development, function, and dysfunction of the vestibular system. We wonder about things such as “How do you build a brain that can balance a body?” and “How can we use what we know about balance to understand brain disorders?” We use an exciting and powerful model system, baby zebrafish, to make progress on these fundamental questions. We are looking for someone who is excited to be part of a supportive team of bright and capable scientists. Previous technicians have published their own papers, built microscopes, and recorded electrical activity from neurons while a fish was trying to balance. They have gone on to either PhD or MD programs. For this position, temperament is more important than any particular skill: you need to be honest, excited to learn new things, and comfortable making mistakes. It helps if you can already code (any language), but it is more important that you’re willing to learn. Learn more about the Schoppik Lab.

Sippy Lab

The laboratory of Tanya C. Sippy, MD, PhD, studies how sensory representations are translated into action. We focus our work on the basal ganglia and relevant input and output structures. We aim to understand how sensory representations change when they become associated with goal-directed movements. We aim to translate our findings to models of psychiatric disease including depression, psychosis and addiction utilizing calcium imaging (one- and two-photon imaging), and electrophysiological in vivo and in vitro techniques. We are seeking a research associate who will be responsible for conducting independent basic science experimentation, data analysis and other lab duties under the mentorship of a senior scientist. Individual is expected to seek to build a portfolio of research accomplishments in preparation for acquiring a higher degree, preferably a PhD or MD/PhD in neuroscience or a related field. Learn more about the Sippy Lab.

Learn more about open positions at the Neuroscience Institute.

Post-Program Placement