The Soderling Lab is committed to diversity in science, anti-racism, and equity. We are a fun team of scientists that work together on big questions in neuroscience. Our lab utilizes proximity-based proteomics (iBioID) in almost all projects and we develop new tools in this area, combining them with a diverse array of expermental approaches. If you like developing or learning cutting-edge tools in the context of exciting neuroscience questions, the please contact Scott Soderling.

Project Areas Available

mechanisms of circuit assembly and dysfunction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

We were recently awarded a large grant to study how the vulnerability of dopamine neurons is influenced by the connections it makes with neighboring cells in the brain. This project leverages our newly developed Split-surface BioID proteomics in mouse models of PD. We are seeking two postdoctoral hires for projects in our lab. These postdocs will interact with a creative dream team of scientists: Cagla Eroglu, Nicole Calakos, Mike Tadross, and Sergio Pasca. Strong publication record and experience in any of the following; proteomics, or statistical and network analysis, or CRISPR-genome editing are all desired.

Systems biology of synaptic brain disorders

Our laboratory is combining mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with new CRISPR, proteomic, and machine learning analysis to decipher how human mutations alter synapses and circuits to cause disease. We are motivated to find underlying levels of convergence between ASD risk alleles. Strong publication record and experience in any of the following; proteomics, statistical and network analysis using R or python, CRISPR-genome editing, mouse behavior, electrophysiology, optogenetics, 2-photon FLIM imaging are all desired.

Cell biology of diverse synapses

Recent advances in single cell sequencing of RNA have uncovered a rich diversity of neuronal cell types. Yet we don’t understand how the protein products of these RNAs are organized within neurons. Using spatial proteomics with circuit tools we are now able to discover synapse diversity as defined by functional connectivity. We believe understanding synapse diversity at the molecular level is the next leap that is needed to unlock molecular mechanics of circuit function. Postdocs in this area will develop new tools, functionally analyze their results in vivo, and be able to collaborate with other duke faculty. Strong publication record and experience in any of the following; proteomics, protein engineering, electrophysiology, optogenetics, 2-photon FLIM imaging are all desired.