Postdoctoral Fellow of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology

Indiana University
Indiana University

Bloomington, IN, USA

Posted on Jul 6, 2026

Posting Details

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology
Specific Title
Appointment Type Postdoctoral Fellow
Department IUSM - Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Pharmacology
Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis
Position Summary
Dr. Yao-Ying Ma’s Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) in Indianapolis is accepting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position Candidates with a Ph.D. degree in Neurobiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology, Computational Neuroscience, and / or other related fields, are encouraged to apply. Experience in rodent brain surgeries, behavioral tests, confocal imaging, ex vivo patch clamp, in vivo calcium imaging, and / or in vivo single unit electrophysiological recordings, is preferred although not required. Comprehensive hands-on training in any of the techniques mentioned above will be provided as needed. Research in Dr. Ma’s group is supported by NIH/NIDA, NIH/NIAAA, NIH/NINDS, NIH/NIA, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, Indiana Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Fund, etc. There are 3 major directions actively pursued, e.g., (1) neuro-substrates mediating long-term persistence of cocaine craving and opioids dependence; (2) synaptic adaptations induced by prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure; (3) neural adaptations involved in psychiatric symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. The Ma lab utilizes state-of-the-art molecular, biochemical, anatomical, electrophysiological, optogenetic, chemo-genetics, behavioral and computational approaches to elucidate neuroadaptations in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The lab’s research achievements have been published in high-impact journals in the neuroscience fields.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of health sciences companies. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life – the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues, and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city and surrounding suburbs enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport that has been named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in
Basic Qualifications
A terminal degree in a related field is required: Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience / Neurobiology / Behavioral Neuroscience / Neuropharmacology / Computational Neuroscience or other related fields
Department Contact for Questions
Maritza McCabe, HR Business Partner, mccama@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Priority Application Review Deadline
Expected Start Date
Posting Number IUSM-02467-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this position?
    • Personal Contact: At Professional Meeting or Conference
    • Personal Contact: Direct Contact by Search Committee
    • Personal Contact: Referred by colleague or advisor
    • Personal Contact: School of Medicine recruiter
    • Personal Contact: IUHP Physician Recruiter
    • Announcement: Other Journal or Magazine
    • Announcement: Other Website
  2. * Are you a dual career partner (your partner or spouse is already being recruited)?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
  1. Letter of Application
  2. List Of References
  3. Letter of Reference 1
  4. Letter of Reference 2
  5. Letter of Reference 3
  6. Other
  7. Research Paper/Publication/Writing Sample