We are looking for motivated and curious scientists to join our team!
We believe that diversity is critical to science, and we strive to create a lab that includes people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Current openings in the lab are listed below.
To apply, please send the requested information to anita.devineni@emory.edu.
Postdocs
We are accepting applications for postdoctoral scientists. You may already have an idea for your own project or we can develop a project together. Our goal is for you to build your CV, learn new skills, and develop further as a scientist as you formulate your future career goals, whether you choose to work within or outside of academia.
You should have completed or be nearing completion of a Ph.D. in a STEM field and have some background in neuroscience or biology. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in performing in vivo functional imaging, developing and running behavioral assays, building and programming hardware, analyzing large datasets, and/or working with Drosophila. Please email Dr. Devineni with a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Your cover letter should include your scientific background, research interests, why you are specifically interested in our research, and what potential projects/areas you’d like to work on. It is best if you contact us several months to a year in advance of your desired start date.
Graduate students
You must be accepted into a graduate program at Emory in order to work with us. We accept Ph.D. students from the Neuroscience, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Biomedical Engineering programs. Please note that most programs can waive the application fee if this is a barrier to your application. Find more information here and do not hesitate to contact the relevant graduate program if you cannot afford the fee but do not meet the listed qualifications for a waiver.
If you are a student in one of those programs and are interested in joining or rotating in the lab, please email Dr. Devineni to set up a meeting. Feel free to also reach out if you are a prospective student interested in applying to one of those programs and have questions.
Undergraduate students
We periodically have openings for undergraduates to do research in our lab. We are interested in students with a biology, neuroscience, engineering, or computer science background. Undergraduate projects could include conducting experiments with fruit flies or doing programming and data analysis, depending on your interests and skills. You may be able to get paid or receive course credit for doing research (info for Biology majors here).
Students are expected to commit at least 12-15 hours/week, and a 1 year commitment is strongly preferred. Please email Dr. Devineni if you are interested and you will be sent a short application to fill out. It is best if you contact us at least 1-2 months before you want to start.
Update (April 2024): We have filled up our undergraduate slots for this summer. We might be able to take 1 more student in the fall, depending on space constraints; please reach out to Dr. Devineni over the summer if you are interested.
High school students
Unfortunately, we cannot accept high school students at this time.
Mentoring Philosophy
My goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment in the lab where every lab member can reach their full potential. I am invested in your success and will do everything I can to support you in your career goals, whether you choose a path within or outside of academia. I will work closely with you to help you develop and execute a project, learn new skills, gain independence, publish your work, and plan for your future career.
Science involves hard work and sometimes requires long hours, but I believe you should have a life outside of the lab. I do not pressure people to regularly work weekends or holidays. Maintaining a work-life balance helps us all stay happy, motivated, and creative.
I aim to create a lab environment where everyone feels respected and valued, no matter their position. I expect lab members to work together, support each other, and be generous in sharing their expertise. I will do my best to efficiently address any concerns or problems that arise in the lab.
I believe that strong communication and two-way feedback are essential for mentor-mentee relationships. I will regularly provide you with guidance and feedback on your progress, and I will solicit your feedback on how I can better support you. I’m not perfect, but I will strive to continuously improve and be the best mentor I can be.
For prospective lab members:
If you are considering a position in the lab, you should consider my skills and values as a mentor just as I am evaluating yours as a prospective lab member. We should discuss any questions or concerns you have before you join the lab. I am also happy to give you contact information for people who I have previously mentored, and you should feel free to speak to them about my mentorship style and abilities.