Join Us

Build the lab with us

The Godavarthi Lab opens at RIT in August 2026. We are building our first cohort of researchers — undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs who are excited about synaptic biology, curious about disease, and ready to do rigorous, creative science.

Why join us?

Basic and disease research

We are driven by fundamental curiosity about how synapses work and how this basic science connects directly to neurological conditions like autism and myasthenia gravis. As a member of our lab you get to do both- ask deep mechanistic questions and understand exactly why they matter for human health.

Molecules to behavior

Our questions span the full range — from synaptic proteins to circuits to animal behavior. You will learn to think and work across scales.

Multiple model systems

Work with Xenopus laevis (frog), mouse, and human iPSC-derived neurons, gaining fluency in how the same question looks different across species and systems.

Be part of something new

Joining a lab at its founding is a rare opportunity. You will help shape the culture, the questions, and the direction of the lab from day one.

Mentorship that takes you seriously

Regular lab meetings, open-door conversations, and training that attends to your individual goals — whether you are headed to graduate school, medicine, industry, or somewhere else entirely.

Open positions

Undergraduate Researchers
Curious about the brain?
Recruiting now — Fall 2026

Undergraduate researchers will receive training in experimental techniques, scientific reasoning, and communication. We welcome students from all majors and backgrounds.

Prior lab experience is not a prerequisite. What is desired in a student —

  • Genuine curiosity about how the brain works at a molecular level
  • Interest in any of our three research themes
  • Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental work
  • Commitment of at least 8–10 hours per week

How to get involved

  1. 1.Read about our research and find what excites you most.
  2. 2.Send a short email describing in a few sentences why you are interested along with a copy of your CV.
  3. 3.We'll have an informal conversation about your interests and what a day in the lab looks like.
Email Dr. Godavarthi →
Graduate Students
PhD positions coming soon
Not currently recruiting

We are looking for motivated PhD students excited about synaptic biology, molecular neuroscience, and disease. Students will work across our three research themes — from defining the rules of transmitter specification to engineering synaptic rescue strategies.

  • Background in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field
  • Experience with molecular or cellular techniques is a plus but not required
  • Strong interest in mechanistic questions at the synapse
  • Enthusiasm for working across model systems

How to apply

  1. 1.Apply through the RIT graduate admissions portal and indicate interest in the Godavarthi Lab.
  2. 2.Email Dr. Godavarthi directly with your CV and a brief statement of your research interests.
  3. 3.We will reach out to schedule an informal conversation about fit and research direction.
Email Dr. Godavarthi →
Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoc positions coming soon
Not currently recruiting

We welcome inquiries from postdoctoral candidates with a strong publication record and interest in synaptic biology, neurotransmitter identity, or related areas. Candidates with experience in electrophysiology, single-cell genomics, mouse genetics, or iPSC-derived neuron systems are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to supporting postdocs in developing their independent research program and career goals.

  • PhD in neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, or related field
  • Strong publication record demonstrating independent thinking
  • Interest in developing an independent research direction within the lab's themes

How to apply

  1. 1.Email Dr. Godavarthi with your CV, a brief cover letter describing your research interests and goals, and contact details for two references.
  2. 2.We will review applications on a rolling basis and reach out to schedule a conversation.
Email Dr. Godavarthi →