Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Maryland Neurosurgery)

Department of Neurosurgery & University of Maryland-Medicine Institute of Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND)

The Hussain Lab at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) is recruiting multiple highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to join our team.

Led by Dr. Rashad Hussain, Ph.D., our lab is at the forefront of research on glymphatic system function, traumatic brain injury (TBI), glial biology, and neuro-regeneration. Our work has been published in Nature, Trends in Neuroscience, Brain, and Journal of Neuroscience, and has opened new therapeutic directions in edema resolution after TBI, myelin repair, and brain metabolite clearance.

Our lab addresses fundamental and translational challenges in neuroscience, focusing on:

Glymphatic & Lymphatic Dynamics in brain injury, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases. Traumatic Brain Injury mechanisms, including cerebral edema and glymphatic impairment. Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, linking environmental toxicants (e.g., ultrafine particles from burn pits, air pollution) to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Glial biology and remyelination, including androgen receptor-mediated repair. Advanced Imaging & Experimental Models, including high-resolution two-photon imaging, mini-2P systems, and in vivo CSF tracer dynamics. Our discoveries have influenced international scientific discourse and led to several patents on glymphatic modulation and myelin regeneration.

Responsibilities

Lead projects on glymphatic flow, brain fluid clearance, and neuroinflammation. Apply and develop advanced imaging (two-photon, mini-2P) and molecular approaches. Help in mentoring graduate and undergraduate trainees. Contribute to high-impact publications and grant proposals.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology or a related field. 0-3 years of postdoctoral experience (exceptional recent graduates encouraged to apply). Strong background in in vivo neuroscience (e.g., rodent models, imaging, electrophysiology). Experience with survival surgeries, TBI models, or CSF/glymphatic assays is highly desirable. Excellent publication record and scientific communication skills.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a dynamic, NIH- and DoD-funded laboratory with access to cutting-edge imaging and neuroscience facilities. Collaborate with world leaders in neuroscience, including partners at Harvard/MGH, INSERM-Paris Saclay, and Mayo Clinic. Contribute to research with direct translational relevance for TBI, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders. Publish in high-impact journals and develop your independent research trajectory.

Application Instructions

Please send the following materials in a single PDF. Cover letter describing research interests and career goals. Curriculum vitae (CV) Names and contact information for 2-3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until positions are filled.