A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the lab of Young-Goo Han. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with a strong interest in the mechanisms of brain development, neurodevelopmental disorders, or brain tumors. Humans have the largest neocortex relative to their brain size, and its folded surface is thought to be the root of our unique mental abilities. What are the underlying mechanisms for the development and evolution of this remarkable structure? How do alterations in these mechanisms lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors? We aim to answer these questions through the lens of the neural progenitor cells that construct the brain during development. At early development stages, the brains of humans and mice (the prime animal model for biomedical research) are similar. However, a robust expansion of neural progenitor cells, especially outer radial glial (oRG) cells, in humans during development gives rise to the large, folded human cortex. To understand the mechanisms that regulate this massive expansion of human neural progenitor cells, we developed the first stable and robust genetic mouse model, where oRGs greatly expand to transform the small and smooth mouse cortex into an expanded and folded one. In addition to this unique and powerful animal model, we use diverse complementary approaches including human pluripotent stem cells, brain organoids, genome editing, high-resolution imaging, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and in utero surgeries. Please refer to our website (https://www.stjude.org/research/labs/han-lab.html) for further information. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and have strong experience in molecular, biochemical, cellular, and histological analyses of cell culture and animal models. Please send a summary of previous research, curriculum vitae, and contact information for references to young-goo.han@stjude.org. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has a diverse, global patient population and workforce, built on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our founder Danny Thomas envisioned a hospital that would treat children of the world—regardless of race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. Learn more about our history and commitment. Today, we continue the mission to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. As we accelerate this progress globally, we believe our legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational to success. With the commitment of leaders at all levels of the organization, we strive to ensure the St. Jude culture, leadership approaches and talent processes are equitable and culturally responsive. View our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report to learn about the hospital’s roots in diversity, equity and inclusion, where we are today and our aspirations for an even better future. St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer No Search Firms St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.