Come work with us!

Are you interested in studying how the brain controls the body, how animals perceive the world, or how we can overcome brain disorders? Then you could consider reaching out to us about a position, no matter whether you have years of scientific experience, or no experience at all.

As of 2024, the lab’s top hiring priority is postdocs, technicians, and graduate students. We presently have very limited ability to take on additional undergraduate students.

We commit to maintaining an inclusive work environment in which all people know that they belong, no matter their background or unique challenges. Read more about our Values here.

Ready to reach out? Here are more specific instructions, depending on your experience level.

Postdoctoral researcher or experienced scientist

For this position, our goal would be for you to do world-class research and build your CV to become an independent scientist or lab head in academia or industry. You should be willing and able to push your own project forward, and to help train and mentor more junior scientists in the lab.

You should be nearing completion of a PhD in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), or already have such a PhD. Desired technical experience includes any of the following: computational analysis of large neural, behavioral, or similar datasets; development and analysis of novel animal behavioral assays; design and use of optical, electrophysiological, or other neural devices. We can train you in these techniques if you don’t know them. You can bring your own idea for a dream project, or we can come up with one together.

To apply, send Dr. Rodgers an email at christopher.rodgers@emory.edu. Attach your CV; a recent publication, manuscript, or work in progress (such as a poster); and a cover letter describing your previous experience and what you hope to accomplish in this lab and in the future. It’s best to contact us about 3-12 months before your desired start date.

Graduate student (PhD or MD/PhD)

For this position, our goal would be for you to learn formal skills for doing and communicating science, and to receive a degree that will move you toward your dream career. You will learn how to do experiments, analyze data, write research papers and grants, and complete relevant coursework. This will likely require a time commitment of about 5 years for a PhD. But you should expect to be paid a living wage for this work, and your tuition will be covered.

You should be nearing completion of a Bachelor's degree, or already have one. A degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) is preferred, but other degrees might work too, as long as you have relevant research experience or coursework. Desired research experience includes: data analysis, computer programming, animal behavior, or similar. We can train you in these techniques if you don’t know them. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do yet.

To work with us, you have to apply to and be accepted by a graduate program at Emory or Georgia Tech. The most relevant programs are the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Emory, the joint Georgia Tech / Emory graduate program in Biomedical Engineering, and the MD/PhD program at Emory. We can't admit you to those programs, but we can try to answer questions you may have.

If you are interested in working with us, send Dr. Rodgers an email at christopher.rodgers@emory.edu when you are thinking about applying, or have already applied to or started your graduate degree at Emory or Georgia Tech. Attach your CV, which should include your educational history and any research experience you might have in any field. In the email, include a paragraph or two describing your previous experience and what you hope to accomplish during your degree and in your later career.

Research technician

For this position, our goal would be for you to work full-time in the lab to contribute to our ongoing projects and (if you wish) to build up your CV, for instance to apply to graduate or medical school. You should be interested in researching the brain, and willing to work full-time in the lab for at least two years.

You should be nearing completion of a Bachelor's degree, or already have one. A degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) is preferred, but other degrees might work too, as long as you have relevant experience or coursework. Desired experience includes: working with mice or other animals in any way, behavioral studies, histology (processing of brain or other tissue), computer programming, and electronics. We can train you in these techniques if you don’t know them. Like any other lab member, you will be listed as an author on publications that include your work.

To apply, send Dr. Rodgers an email at christopher.rodgers@emory.edu. Attach your CV, which should include your educational history and any research experience you might have in any field. Also attach a short cover letter describing your previous experience and what you hope to accomplish in the PAC lab and in the future. It’s best to contact us about 1-6 months before your desired start date.

Undergraduate student (limited space available)

For this position, our goal would be for you to gain experience doing research in a lab, in order to contribute to our ongoing projects, build up your CV, and help you decide what you want to do in the future. You should be interested in learning about the brain, and willing to commit time regularly to working in the lab and learning new skills. This will require a time commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per week during the school year, or possibly more during the summer, for at least a year. We will do our best to try to get you paid for this work, or at least receive course credit. We'll figure out together whether and how that's possible before you start.

You should be working on a Bachelor's degree at a university or college in Atlanta (it doesn't have to be Emory). It's best if you're majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), but other majors might work too, especially if you have relevant research experience or coursework in biology, engineering, or programming. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do yet. Like any other lab member, you will be listed as an author on publications that include your work.

To apply, send Dr. Rodgers an email at christopher.rodgers@emory.edu. Attach your CV, which should include your educational history and any research experience you might have in any field. Also attach a short cover letter describing your previous experience and what you hope to accomplish during your degree and after you graduate. It’s best to contact us about 1-6 months before your desired start date.