Join the lab

We're looking for curious people who want to understand how the brain handles stress.

Photo: Adam Brooks, UA College of Medicine – Phoenix Media Productions, 2020

What it's like here

Small lab, big questions

Mentorship

Training is individualized. Every trainee learns the molecular, behavioral and circuit methods of the program by doing them, and works with Dr. Ferguson on experimental design, writing and the move to their next stage. The lab's first postdoc is now on the faculty.

Tools

Cell-type-specific sequencing, optogenetics, fiber photometry, spatial transcriptomics and human brain organoids, with a new shared multielectrode-array platform that the lab leads.

Place

On the Phoenix Bioscience Core in downtown Phoenix, steps from TGen and Arizona State University's Downtown Phoenix campus.

"If course design is the broadest form of my teaching, mentoring is the deepest."
Deveroux Ferguson

Openings

We're not advertising a specific opening right now, but we're glad to hear from postdoctoral fellowship applicants and prospective graduate students.

Postdoctoral fellows

We look for postdoctoral researchers with experience in molecular neuroscience, electrophysiology, or computational biology. Optogenetics, fiber photometry, or single-cell and spatial methods are a plus.

·Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, or a related field
·A strong publication record
·Experience with rodent behavioral models preferred
·Interest in depression, addiction, or circuit neuroscience

Postdoc applicants planning to apply for fellowships (for example NIH F32 or K99/R00) are especially welcome.

Graduate students

Graduate students join through affiliated programs, including the ASU Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, UA Clinical & Translational Sciences, and the MD/PhD program at the College of Medicine – Phoenix.

ASU IGPNUA Clinical & Translational SciencesUA MD/PhD

·Acceptance into an affiliated graduate program
·A strong background in the biological sciences
·Research experience preferred but not required
·Curiosity and persistence

Undergraduate researchers

Undergraduates work closely with the lab's scientists on ongoing projects, for course credit or through summer research programs. Several past undergraduates are co-authors on the lab's papers.

·Currently enrolled at UA or ASU
·At least 10 hours a week
·GPA of 3.0 or higher
·Interest in neuroscience research

Research technicians

Technician positions open periodically. They are excellent preparation for graduate or medical school and involve hands-on work with the lab's molecular, behavioral and circuit methods.

·B.S. in biology, neuroscience, or a related field
·Laboratory experience preferred
·Strong organizational skills
·Able to work independently and as part of a team

How to apply

Send us a note

Email your CV, a short statement of research interests, and contact information for two or three references.

dferguson@arizona.eduEmail Dr. Ferguson