Postdoctoral Researcher

The University of Kansas - Staff; Cobalt; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Ontario is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct in vivo and ex vivo experiments in the Department of Chemistry. The role involves designing optogenetic experiments and collaborating in a supportive research environment. Candidates need a Ph.D. in relevant fields and strong motivation for research publication. Salary is $63,000 annually, with an anticipated start date of January 5, 2026.

Qualifications

• Effective communication with team members in both academia and industry.
• Experience with optogenetics and data analysis.
• Motivated to produce and present research findings.

Responsibilities

• Carry out primary research in a supportive, mentored environment.
• Design and implement optogenetics experiments in rodents.
• Present research findings at conferences and in publications.

Skills

Communication

Data Analysis

Motivation

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry or related field

Job description

Position Overview

We seek a postdoctoral research associate to carry out in vivo and ex vivo experimentation in rats in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas. The Department of Chemistry consists of a well-rounded research community with cutting‑edge expertise in a wide variety of modern disciplines including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and biochemistry. Our research group develops methods to measure neuronal function with the goal of using these methods to understand mechanisms of neurological disease. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will play a central role in the development and validation of novel biosensing arrays used to measure real‑time changes in chemical levels in living brain tissue.

Working in our highly interdisciplinary research environment, you will have the chance to collaborate with researchers both within and outside the Johnson lab. You will join a supportive group who will assist you in achieving your career goals, whether traditional or alternative. We recognize the unique challenges faced by postdoctoral research associates and are committed to providing a flexible work environment that supports your well‑being and personal responsibilities. Living in Lawrence, KS, you will enjoy a vibrant urban‑suburban atmosphere surrounded by beautiful landscapes, a thriving cultural scene, and low cost of living.

The initial appointment for this position will be for 12 months. Additional 12‑month extension will be available based on performance and/or availability of funds.

Job Description

Your responsibilities will include effectively communicating with a team of researchers in academia and industry, designing and implementing optogenetics experiments in rodents, analyzing data, and communicating project findings through presentations and publications.

80% – Carry out primary, NIGMS‑relevant research in a supportive, mentored environment. Projects will involve using array biosensors to measure multiple neurotransmitters simultaneously. You will design and execute experiments to validate array biosensors in ex vivo preparations. Techniques that will be used include rodent surgeries, injections for the purpose of optogenetic measurements, and electrode calibrations and measurements.

20% – Candidates will be expected to interface with team members at Pinnacle Technology Inc. to optimize biosensors and maximize the probability of success. These communications are expected to take the form of brief, daily communications as well as presentations at regular group meetings. Candidates will also be expected to present research at local, regional, and international conferences and write manuscripts for publication.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Motivation to carry employ novel sensing arrays for the purpose of publishing and presenting your results and bringing multifunctional electrode products to market, as evidenced by application materials.
• Previous experience that required communicating effectively with a wide-ranging team of researchers in industry and academia, as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market‑driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in rodent stereotaxic surgeries, optogenetic measurements with AAVs, and application of electrochemical methods to living systems, as evidenced by application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Prof. Johnson, Department of Chemistry
[e-mail]

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, a complete application requires:

• resume or CV
• cover letter
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Friday December 5, 2025, and will continue until a qualified application is identified.

Advertised Salary Range

$63,000

Application Review Begins

05-Dec-2025

Anticipated Start Date

05-Jan-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Professional

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

M-F 8-5

Job Family

Research-KUL

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding, Limited Term

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.