Post Doctoral Fellow

The Howard University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition reimbursement & training

Career advancement paths

Job summary

Howard University seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in the Laboratory of Dr. Sayan Nandi, collaborating with Dr. Heinbockel and Dr.

Ford, focusing on neuroinflammation in brain injury. The role involves microglial studies, genetic mouse models, and multidisciplinary approaches to understand recovery after neural injury. The candidate will engage in experimental design, data analysis, and dissemination of results, with mentoring responsibilities and opportunities for career development in

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field (neuroscience, biology).
• Experience with rodent surgery, histology, and imaging is expected.
• Strong data analysis and scientific writing skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rodent surgical, histological, and imaging experiments.
• Collaborate with PIs and department colleagues on project goals.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and grant-related documents.
• Mentor graduate students and postdocs in the lab.
• Present research findings at meetings and seminars.

Skills

Rodent surgical techniques

Histology & imaging

Data analysis & statistics

Scientific communication

Mentoring/teaching

Grant writing

Ethics in research

Education

PhD in neuroscience/biology

Tools

Spatial transcriptomics

Epigenetics techniques

Histology equipment

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff \"for fit\" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

What we offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION

A full-time Postdoctoral Position is immediately available in the Laboratory of Dr. Sayan Nandi, in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Heinbockel and Dr. Byron Ford, in the Department of Anatomy, Howard University, Washington DC. The laboratories are focused on understanding the roles of neuroinflammation in brain injury. Microglia are the principal immune cells of the brain and constitute 10%-15% of total brain cells. They are bona fide phagocytes with well-defined roles in clearing dead cells and debris. Microglial \"activation\" is considered as a \"double-edged sword\" in neural injuries such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, with both beneficial and detrimental roles. Microglial \"activation\" is required to clear dead neurons, leading to the recovery process. On the other hand, inappropriately activated microglia can release proinflammatory cytokines and further engulf live neurons, thereby worsening the injury. We will test the ideas of direct roles played by microglia in these processes using genetically engineered mouse models. We will combine surgical, histological, imaging and molecular (spatial transcriptomic and epigenetic) approaches to understand microglial contribution to the recovery from a neural injury.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

The candidate is expected to be involved either directly or indirectly (by assisting the PIs) in the training of incoming students and postdoctoral fellows.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Internal contacts include assistant/associate deans, directors, department heads/chairs, faculty, staff and students at the College and school levels, and deans, directors, and executive level officers at university level. External contacts include governmental agencies such as Federal and the District of Columbia Agencies, health professionals, students, parents, and the general public. Fulfill tasks in collaborative team of students and researchers from Howard University.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The candidate is expected to have training in rodent surgical, histological and imaging techniques.
• The candidate is also expected to work collaboratively with the faculty in the Department of Anatomy as well as outside the Department, as required.
• The candidate should be able to effectively communicate with the PIs.
• This position requires in-depth understanding of brain functions and scientific literature, extensive data analyses and interpretation as well as skills required for scientific presentation.
• The candidate is expected to be involved in the training of incoming students and postdoctoral fellows in the PI's laboratory.
• Participates in academic, didactic, and professional training provided through seminars, workshops, and direct meetings with grant faculty.
• Coordinates and assure development of pertinent reports and their timely delivery.
• Conducts data collection, statistical analysis, and data interpretation responsibilities secondary to CMHSR grant portfolio.
• Participates in grant writing, development of manuscripts and reports, and conduct of primary and secondary data analyses.
• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield one or more publications including conference abstract proceedings.
• Mentors doctoral, master's and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting and contributes to laboratory organization including meeting planning.
• Designs research experiments, evaluates research findings, and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with his/her mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or