Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunities: Join the Minmin Luo lab at CIBR!

Lab Overview

Prof. Minmin Luo is the Director of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing (CIBR) and a founding New Cornerstone Investigator. His lab is dedicated to three core research areas: the neural mechanisms underlying reward processing, the development of novel neuroscience technologies, and the translational development of new therapies for major brain disorders. The team has achieved a series of internationally recognized breakthroughs:

Theoretical: Pioneered the "dual-rail theory," proposing that serotonin and dopamine synergistically encode reward, and elucidated multi-level neuromodulation therapies for depression.

Technological: Developed the world’s first AAV vector targeting microglia, created ultra-sensitive optogenetic proteins, and engineered fiber photometry systems now widely used in thousands of laboratories globally.

Translational: Leveraging these foundational discoveries, the team has developed revolutionary gene therapies for vision restoration, intractable epilepsy, and refractory pain. Through deep, long-term collaborations with leading clinical institutions such as Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Xuanwu Hospital, and Beijing Anding Hospital, these translational efforts have been granted FDA Fast Track designation and approved for Phase I clinical trials by the CDE, successfully bridging the gap from animal models to human patients.

Currently, the lab is at a critical juncture, transitioning from fundamental theoretical breakthroughs to precise clinical interventions. To meet the growing demands for human neuroimaging data analysis and cross-species translational research, we are seeking 1–2 Postdoctoral Fellows with backgrounds in medical image analysis and bioinformatics. The successful candidates will be responsible for analyzing multi-modal brain network and imaging changes in clinical subjects pre- and post-intervention, integrating multidimensional behavioral data (including cognitive, pain, and depression metrics), and participating in cross-species data bridging between human and animal models.

Responsibilities

1. Human Neuroimaging Data Analysis: Lead the acquisition, preprocessing, statistical analysis, and visualization of multi-modal brain imaging data (fMRI, sMRI, DTI, PET, etc.) from clinical subjects pre- and post-treatment. Identify imaging biomarkers and explore their correlations with clinical behavioral outcomes.

2. Human Behavioral Assessment: Design and administer standardized cognitive assessments (e.g., attention, memory, executive function), pain scales (e.g., VAS, McGill), and depression/anxiety scales (e.g., HAMD, MADRS). Integrate multidimensional data to construct longitudinal change models.

3. Cross-Species Data Bridging: Participate in optogenetic and gene therapy experiments using animal models (mice/non-human primates). Assist in establishing comparative frameworks for human-animal imaging and behavioral data to advance translational medicine.

4. Scientific Writing & Grant Proposals: Independently or collaboratively write high-impact research papers and grant proposals, and actively participate in international collaborations and academic exchanges.

Qualifications

1. Hold or be about to obtain a Ph.D. in Medical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, or related fields.

2. Technical Skills:

1) Demonstrated experience in human multi-modal neuroimaging data analysis. Proficiency in at least one mainstream software/toolkit (e.g., SPM, FSL, ANTs, CONN, DPABI), with the ability to independently conduct the full pipeline from preprocessing and quality control to statistical modeling and visualization. Familiarity with fMRI, sMRI, and DTI data types, coupled with programming and scripting skills in Python, R, or MATLAB.

2) Familiarity with standardized behavioral testing paradigms and scales in human cognition, pain, and depression/anxiety (e.g., VAS, McGill, HAMD, MADRS). Prior clinical experience is highly preferred.

3) Foundational skills in animal experimentation (e.g., stereotaxic injection, behavioral testing, brain tissue sectioning) and a willingness to participate in cross-species data comparison and collaborative animal studies.

3. Have published or be about to publish SCI papers as a first author in mainstream journals in the field. Strong English reading and writing skills are required.

4. Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, excellent teamwork and communication skills, and the ability to independently drive multidisciplinary projects.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Competitive annual salary commensurate with the CIBR postdoctoral compensation system, offering internationally competitive remuneration.

Housing Allowance: Provided to eligible postdoctoral fellows in accordance with institute policies.

Career Development: Comprehensive support for applying for the National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents (Bo-Xin Plan), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Fund, and relevant Beijing municipal talent programs.

Additional Benefits:  Social insurances and housing fund, supplementary medical Insurance, paid annual leave, and union benefits.

Application Instructions

Please compile the following documents into a single PDF and email it to luominmin@cibr.ac.cn  (Please use the email subject line: "Postdoc Application - Prof. Luo’s Lab - [Your Name]")

1. Curriculum Vitae (including educational background, research experience, publications, and awards).

2. Personal Research Statement (detailing research interests, past achievements, and proposed postdoctoral research plan).

3. Representative Publications (in PDF format).

4. Contact Information for 2–3 professional references.

Application Deadline

This position is open until filled.