About
The Ghosh Lab at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR), Bengaluru, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow and PhD Student to work on an interdisciplinary research project investigating the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying schizophrenia.
The project, titled “A New Genetic Model: A Fresh Mechanistic Look at Schizophrenia,” aims to understand how genetic risk contributes to disease onset and progression. The laboratory has developed two CRISPR mouse models carrying a genetic-risk allele associated with schizophrenia, with the goal of connecting genetic findings to changes in neuronal and glial function.
The research will integrate findings from animal models with patient-derived functional genomics and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid systems. The broader objective is to uncover fundamental disease mechanisms and identify pathways that may support future targeted therapeutic interventions.
Recruitment Details
- Institution: National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR)
- Research Group: Ghosh Lab
- Positions: Postdoctoral Fellow and PhD Student
- Research Area: Neuroscience, Genetics, Schizophrenia, and Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Application Mode: Email application to the principal investigator
Research Responsibilities
The selected candidates will contribute to the following research activities:
- Characterization of Genetic Models: Investigate the novel genetic mouse model through behavioural studies, neural circuit activity measurements, and cellular phenotyping.
- Mechanistic Investigation: Perform targeted manipulations to understand the biological mechanisms associated with positive and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
- Genetic Risk Analysis: Connect TCF4-related patient single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with their functional consequences and disease-risk associations.
- Human-Relevant Validation: Validate discoveries using human iPSC-based and organoid-based systems.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Integrate molecular, cellular, behavioural, electrophysiological, and functional-genomics approaches.
Research Techniques and Facilities
The laboratory offers experience with a broad range of established research techniques, including:
- Mini2P two-photon recording of neural activity in freely behaving mice.
- Whole-brain functional imaging using light-sheet microscopy (SPIM).
- Robotic stereotaxic surgery.
- Chemogenetics and optogenetics.
- Mouse electrophysiology and genetics.
- Behavioural analysis.
- Morphometry and high-resolution microscopy.
- Flow cytometry.
- Molecular biology and cell culture.
- Organoid research, multi-omics, and data mining.
The laboratory emphasizes interdisciplinary research and encourages applicants interested in developing new experimental approaches.
Eligibility
1. Postdoctoral Fellow
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Neuroscience, Genetics, or Biology.
- Strong analytical and experimental skills.
- A problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot experiments.
Preferred Experience:
Experience with rodents, organoids, molecular biology, multi-omics, and data mining will be an advantage.
2. PhD Student
Applicants should have one of the following:
- A Master’s degree in Biological Sciences or Physical Sciences, or
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Additional qualities sought include:
- An analytical mindset.
- The ability to multitask.
- Curiosity, a discovery-oriented approach, and a willingness to learn.
Important: Candidates who already hold their own fellowship, such as UGC or CSIR, are also encouraged to apply. PhD applicants and students with their own fellowship should additionally apply through the NCBS PhD programme.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit an email application directly to Professor Ghosh.
Application Steps:
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Write a short statement describing your specific research interests and why you are interested in the schizophrenia research project.
- Email your CV and research-interest statement to the address below.
- Request three referees to send their recommendation letters directly to Professor Ghosh.
- PhD applicants and candidates with their own fellowship should also follow the relevant NCBS PhD programme application process.
Application Email: hiyaa@ncbs.res.in
Official Faculty Profile: https://www.ncbs.res.in/faculty/hiyaa
Original Recruitment Announcement: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hiring-postdoctoral-fellow-and-phd-student-ugcPost-7515695258672758785-ro_X/
Applicants are advised to follow up if they do not receive a response within one week of emailing the relevant information.
Deadline
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026