Post-Doctoral Research Associate

UT Dallas

Richardson (TX)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 65,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

BCBS Medical Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Dental & Vision Plan

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The Nguyen Lab at UT Dallas is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance NIH‑funded projects examining molecular mechanisms of epilepsy. This on-site role sits within the Department of Neuroscience and the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and offers mentorship plus opportunities to pursue independent funding.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field and experience with in vivo mouse models, molecular biology, and data analysis.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field required.
Experience conducting independent research in neuroscience.
Strong background in in vivo mouse models and molecular biology techniques (Western blotting, RT-qPCR).
Experience with electrophysiology or rodent EEG is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct original independent research under PI guidance.
Prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals.
Present research findings at conferences and workshops.
Train and supervise students and junior laboratory members.
Contribute to collaborative research projects.
Maintain rigorous documentation and reporting.

Skills

Independent researcher

Mouse handling

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Experiment design

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience

Ph.D. in molecular biology

Ph.D. in biochemistry

Tools

Western blotting

RT-qPCR

Histology

In vivo mouse techniques

Job description

The Nguyen Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support NIH‑funded projects focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy. The lab is a basic and translational neuroscience research laboratory within the Department of Neuroscience and the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Research in the lab focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of brain development and how dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, including malformations of cortical development and epilepsy.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline; a solid publication record; and the scientific curiosity, desire, and ability to work independently. Postdoctoral Research Associates will have opportunities to apply for independent funding, travel to scientific conferences, and network with other academics.

The successful candidate will receive strong support from the PI, who is committed to mentoring postdoctoral associates toward successful careers in academia or industry.

The salary for Postdoctoral Research Associates in BBS is determined by years of experience and will be dependent on experience and qualifications. This appointment is for one year with the possibility of renewal. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree‑granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience

Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in neuroscience.
Strong background in in vivo mouse models, including mouse surgery and behavioral procedures, mouse handling and colony management, histology, biochemical assays, and molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting and RT-qPCR.
Experience with electrophysiology or rodent EEG recordings, experimental seizure models, and computational techniques is preferred.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct original and independent research related to assigned projects under the guidance of the PI.
Prepare manuscripts and publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals.
Present research findings at conferences and workshops.
Contribute to collaborative research projects.
Train and/or supervise students and junior laboratory members.
Contribute positively to the laboratory culture.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze original research.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in basic and advanced laboratory techniques and data analysis.
Proficiency in computer applications used to record, analyze, and report research findings.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
Commitment to high standards of research ethics, rigor, and reproducibility.

Work is conducted on‑site and in‑person

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee‑friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full‑time employees
AD&D Insurance
Dental & Vision Plan Options
Optional Long and Short‑term Disability
TRS Retirement Plan
Fertility Benefits
Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest‑growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast‑track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well‑rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi‑professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas‑Fort Worth ( DFW ) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Special Instructions Summary

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

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