Institution: Tulane University School of Medicine
Department: Department of Neurosurgery – Clinical Neuroscience Research Center
Laboratory: Dr. Xiangming Zha
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Position Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral Fellowship
Salary: From USD 61,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
Application Deadline: 27 April 2026

Position Overview

The Department of Neurosurgery at Tulane University School of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience to join the laboratory of Dr. Xiangming Zha in the Clinical Neuroscience Research Center.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct cutting-edge translational neuroscience research focused on stroke, neurovascular biology, and neuroprotection, within a highly collaborative and supportive research environment.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will work on projects investigating:

• Molecular signaling and neuroprotective mechanisms in neurons and/or endothelial cells

• Brain acid signaling and its role in ischemic stroke

• Blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulation

• Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID)

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Research will involve a combination of in vitro approaches and in vivo mouse models, including surgical models relevant to cerebrovascular disease and brain injury.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research using cellular and animal models

• Perform in vivo mouse surgeries, including stroke and/or TBI models

• Apply molecular, cellular, and transcriptomic approaches to study gene regulation and signaling pathways

• Analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and contribute to grant applications

• Actively participate in lab meetings, collaborations, and scientific discussions

Qualifications

Required

• PhD (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Cerebrovascular Biology, or a related field

• Strong wet-lab research experience

• Solid record of peer-reviewed scientific publications

Highly Desirable

• Experience with rodent surgical models, including:

• Mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) models

• VCID-related models

• Experience with transcriptome analysis and gene regulation studies

Mentorship & Career Development

The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team. The lab is strongly committed to career development and will:

• Provide mentorship and guidance on academic and research career progression

• Encourage and support applications for postdoctoral fellowships and external funding

• Support professional development and networking opportunities

Why Tulane University

Tulane University offers a dynamic academic environment with strong institutional support for biomedical research. New Orleans provides a unique quality of life, combining rich culture, affordability, and a growing biomedical research community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following as a single PDF:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Contact information for three research references

• Brief statement describing research interests and fit with the lab’s research program

📧 Applications should be emailed to:
xzha@tulane.edu

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