News

Postdoctoral position in molecular biology of learning and memory

The Gershman lab is seeking to hire a postdoctoral fellow to work on experimental studies of learning and memory in ciliates (Stentor, Paramecium). This research program is motivated by new ideas about the molecular basis of memory (Gershman, 2023) and its ancient origins in protozoa (Tang and Marshall, 2017, Gershman et al., 2021). We are currently focused on studying long-term habituation memory in Stentor (Rajan et al., 2023) as a window into this question. The experiments are strongly guided by theoretical models, in collaboration with Jeremy Gunawardena at Harvard Medical School.

Applicants should have a background in cellular/molecular biology. The start date is flexible, ideally spring or summer 2025. If you are interested, please contact Sam Gershman (gershman@fas.harvard.edu).

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

References:
  • Gershman, S.J., Balbi, P.E.M., Gallistel, C.R., & Gunawardena, J. (2021). Reconsidering the evidence for learning in single cells. eLife, 10, e61907.
  • Gershman, S.J. (2023). The molecular memory code and synaptic plasticity: a synthesis. BioSystems, 224, 104825.
  • Rajan, D., Makushok, T., Kalish, A., Acuna, L., Bonville, A., Almanza, K. C., ... & Marshall, W. F. (2023). Single-cell analysis of habituation in Stentor coeruleus. Current Biology, 33, 241-251.
  • Tang, S.K., & Marshall, W.F. (2018). Cell learning. Current Biology, 28, R1180-R1184.

    For prospective graduate students

    For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the Gershman lab seeks students interested in working on one of the following topics:
    1. Intuitive physics.
    2. Computational neuroscience.
    3. Theory-based reinforcement learning.
    4. Molecular biology of memory (including in unicellular organisms).

    Applicants should apply through either the Department of Psychology or the Program in Neuroscience. For more information, see FAQ. Please note that for equity reasons there will be no interviews until all the applications have been received. Students are welcome to contact Prof. Gershman to ask questions and to find out if their background is suitable for work in the lab.