Unravel How Primary Cilia Shape Brain Circuits and Drive Neurological Disease
The Loukil Lab at Sanford Research Institute (https://research.sanfordhealth.org/) 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. and have no more than two years of postdoctoral experience.
Why Join Us?
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.
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 organs.
- A defined CSNK2A1-TTBK2 kinase network that governs ciliary trafficking and stability, providing mechanistic insight into Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome perturbed pathways (Loukil et al., 2021, PNAS).
Visitwww.Loukil-Lab.comfor lab highlights.
Your 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
-No more than two years of postdoctoral research experience
-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
-Competitive salary and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and retirement
-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 cafes 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
Apply Now!Please submit a single PDFcontaining the following materials:
-Cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position
-Curriculum vitae
-Contact information for three references
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.Applications are reviewed upon receipt, with early submissions strongly encouraged.
Benefits
Sanford Health offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance. For more information about Total Rewards, visit https://sanfordcareers.com/benefits .
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 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org .
Sanford Health has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.
Society for Neuroscience
dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, 401(k), retirement plan
Nov 07, 2025