Join us!

The Polter Lab is always looking for talented individuals to join our team. We value dedication, collaboration, a positive attitude, and perseverance. We try to make the lab a fun place to work and encourage a fulfilling life outside of the lab. We work hard to ensure that lab members get the mentoring and resources they need to be happy and productive. 

Research Assistants

Research assistants should have a bachelors degree in psychology, biology, neuroscience, engineering or a related field. Experience working with mice is preferred but not required. Research Assistants in the lab help with surgeries, behavior, immunohistochemistry, and laboratory and mouse colony management, and are given the opportunity to have their own project. Interested candidates should send their CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Polter at ampolter@gwu.edu. We are currently recruiting research assistants beginning in summer 2026

Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdoctoral researchers should have a doctorate in neuroscience or a related field. Experience in slice electrophysiology, fiber photometry, and/or rodent operant behavior is strongly preferred. Postdocs in the lab will be expected to lead a project, write manuscripts and grant applications, and mentor graduate students and undergrads. Interested candidates should send their CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Polter at ampolter@gwu.edu. We are currently hiring a postdoctoral researcher to start in summer 2026.

Graduate Students

 Students interested in joining the lab should apply to the GWU Institute for Biomedical Sciences. Students already at GWU interested in rotating in the lab should contact Dr. Polter directly to set up a meeting. The Polter lab will be accepting rotating IBS neuro or pharm/phys graduate students for spring and summer rotations in 2027.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates in the Polter lab will generally work closely with a postdoctoral researcher or graduate student and will have the opportunity to learn techniques such as mouse behavior, small-animal stereotaxic surgery, and immunohistochemistry. Undergraduates are also considered active participants in the intellectual life of the lab and are welcome at all lab meetings. We generally ask that you commit to at least two consecutive semesters in the lab, and are able to work in the lab at least 10 hours/week. Undergraduates can chose to be paid for their work through work-study, or can register for up to three course credits of research. GWU undergraduates can also apply for funding from the university for summer research.  We will be accepting undergraduate students in Fall 2026, please contact Dr. Polter in August to set up a meeting once the semester begins.