Join Us
The Lerner Lab seeks passionate, curious, and self-driven scientists to join our team.
To apply, send the requested information to
Thank you for your interest in the Lerner Lab!
Postdocs
We are especially interested in those with experience or interest in slice electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, or in vivo recording and behavioral methods in neuroscience.
All are welcome to apply – motivation to learn is as important as experience.
You must have completed or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biology, engineering, psychology, or a related field. Please email Talia with your CV, a short statement of research skills and interests (including how you fit with the Lerner Lab), and contact information for three references.
To show me you read this page and brighten my day, please also include a picture of your pet or favorite animal.
Graduate Students
You must be enrolled in a graduate program at Northwestern to join the Lerner Lab as a graduate student. The main program through which we accept graduate students is the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Nneuroscience (NUIN) program.
The deadline to apply each year is December 1, for admittance the following spring.
We also accept students through the Driskoll Graduate Program (DGP) in Life Science and through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) for MD-PhD students
If you have questions about the lab prior to applying, including whether we will be accepting new graduate students, please email Talia.
If you are a current graduate student at Northwestern interested in rotating in the Lerner Lab, please email Talia to set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss available spots and potential rotation projects.
Undergraduates
There may be opportunities for a limited number of undergraduates to assist with a project being led by a postdoc or graduate student in the lab, depending on the availability of those team members to mentor you. Please reach out to Talia to inquire about the current availability of such opportunities. Indicate the time commitment you would be able to make (be specific: hours, days of the week, school year and/or summer), your previous research experience (if any), and any relevant coursework, including studies in programming, statistics or engineering as well as biology and neuroscience.
If accepted into the lab, you can work either for pay or for course credit. Please discuss your preferred arrangements with Talia. Be aware that we are located on the Chicago campus, which would require you to commute from Evanston for lab work.
Northwestern offers research grants and summer programs that may be of interest to undergraduates seeking research experience:
- Summer Research Opportunity Program (for sophomores and juniors from colleges and universities across the United States)
- Summer Undergraduate Research Grants / Academic Year Undergraduate Research Grants (for Northwestern undergraduates)
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Northwestern offers a post-baccalaureate research education program (PREP) for recent college graduates from underrepresented backgrounds to aid them in preparation for a PhD. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
The deadline to apply each year is February 1, for a program start in July. Admittance to this program would allow you to work in the Lerner Lab for one year.
If you are interested in joining the Lerner Lab as a PREP scholar, it is best to email Talia before applying to ensure the availability of a position in our lab for the upcoming year.
* Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to provide hands-on research opportunities for high school students at this time.
Office: 312-503-5596
Lab: 312-503-5658
Ward Building 5-120
303 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
We are located in downtown Chicago at the Feinberg School of Medicine
