Research Direction Introduction

The Su lab uses the fruit fly (Drosophila) as a model system to study a central question in neuroscience: how does the nervous system efficiently extract and utilize sensory information in complex and constantly changing environments to generate appropriate behavioral responses? Our research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying early-stage olfactory information processing and how neuromodulators dynamically alter sensory neuron physiology to influence downstream neural circuits and behavior.

This problem is particularly challenging in the olfactory system. Unlike vision, where colors can be described by wavelengths, odor molecules lack a simple and unified set of dimensions. Natural odors are typically composed of complex mixtures of multiple chemicals, making odor coding and recognition a major challenge in neuroscience. Olfaction is also one of the few sensory modalities that cannot yet be directly digitized—we can send images through smartphones, but we still cannot truly “send a smell.” We therefore seek to understand how the nervous system efficiently detects, encodes, and interprets the complex odor world using limited neural resources.

We are particularly interested in why relatively simple nervous systems, such as that of the fruit fly, can nevertheless perform highly efficient and flexible information processing despite containing far fewer neurons than mammalian brains. Because subtle modulation at the sensory input stage can profoundly influence downstream neural circuits and behavior, we study “computations at the sensory input layer” to uncover fundamental principles of efficient neural processing and to provide inspiration for efficient information-processing strategies in data science and artificial intelligence.

The Su lab combines genetics, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, behavioral analysis, and electron microscopy to investigate neural mechanisms across molecular, cellular, and circuit levels.

PI Introduction

Professor Chih-Ying Su previously served as Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California San Diego, and joined the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) as a Senior Investigator in July 2026. Professor Su received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University. Her research has long focused on understanding how the nervous system senses and processes external information and how these processes shape animal behavior. Her work centers on olfactory information processing and neuromodulatory mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the dynamic regulation of sensory systems during early stages of information processing. Her research has been published in leading journals in neuroscience and biology, including Nature, Neuron, Nature Communications, and PNAS.

The Su lab is committed to fostering an open, intellectually free, and curiosity-driven research environment, and warmly welcomes motivated young scientists with strong enthusiasm for discovery to join the team.

Associate Investigator/Assistant Investigator (2-3 positions)

Job Responsibilities

1.Conduct independent research under the guidance of the PI.

2.Independently or jointly apply for research grants and write research papers. 

3.Assist in supervising postdocs, students, and research assistants. 

4.Support laboratory management.

Requirements

1.Possess a Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral research experience from leading research institutions in China or abroad.

2.Candidates should have a background in neuroscience, genetics, entomology, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, behavioral analysis, electron microscopy, or related fields, with demonstrated independent research ability and extensive experimental experience.

3.Have published multiple high-impact scientific papers as the first author or corresponding author. 

4.Be proficient in using English as a working language for both oral and written academic communication.

5.Possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, high academic integrity, a rigorous scientific attitude, a strong passion for discovery.

Postdoctoral Fellow (2-3 positions)

Job Responsibilities

1.Conduct independent or collaborative research under the guidance of the PI. 

2.Assist in applying for research grants.

3.Assist in supervising students.

Requirements

1.Candidates should hold a Ph.D. degree in biology, basic medicine, or a related field from a domestic or international institution, with a background in neuroscience, genetics, entomology, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, behavioral analysis, electron microscopy, or related areas.

2.Have research paper published or about to be published in a relevant field, and possess the ability to conduct independent research. 

3.Have a good command of English for reading and writing scientific literature.

4.Possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, high academic integrity, and a strong passion for discovery.

Research Assistant (2-3 positions)

Job Responsibilities

1.Assist Associate/Assistant Investigators, Postdoctoral Fellows, and PhD students in research work. 

2.Conduct research under the supervision of the PI. 

3.Assist with other tasks assigned by the laboratory.

Requirements

1.Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree or above, with experimental skills in Drosophila genetics, neurobiology, entomology, molecular and cellular biology, imaging, animal behavior, or related fields. Prior laboratory experience is preferred.

2.Be responsible, skilled in laboratory operations, and possess strong collaboration and communication abilities. 

3.Have good English reading and writing proficiency.

Benefits

1.Provide a competitive salary and benefits package based on the institute’s compensation system, with specific pay determined according to the candidate’s qualifications and achievements;

2.Enjoy statutory benefits, paid annual leave, regular health check-ups, and other employee welfare programs;

3.Provide excellent research training and a supportive research environment;

4.For qualified candidates, assistance will be provided in applying for relevant talent subsidies and supporting programs;

5.For Research Assistants and Visiting Students with outstanding performance, the group may recommend them for graduate study programs upon request;

6.Visiting Students will receive living allowances in accordance with the subsidy standards of the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation.

Applicants should provide

1.A complete CV in Chinese or English, including educational background, research experience and achievements, key scientific skills, awards, and personal research interests;

2.Please invite 3 recommenders to send recommendation letters.  (Only associate researchers/assistant researchers and post-doctoral fellows are required to provide recommendation letters. Applicants are requested to specify the recommender's information in their application email, and the recommendation letters should be sent directly by the recommenders to drosophila@smart.org.cn).

3.Other materials that can demonstrate the applicant’s research and professional capabilities.

Please send the application materials in PDF format to drosophila@smart.org.cn (Email subject: “Position – Name – Major”). Qualified candidates will be notified for an interview

All applications will be kept confidential, and compensation is negotiable.

This recruitment notice remains open until all positions are filled.