Post Doctoral Research Associate in Behavioral Pharmacology

Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center

Amarillo (TX)

On-site

USD 56,000 - 68,000

Full time

4 days ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Health plans
Paid time off
Retirement plans
Wellness programs
Mother-friendly workplace
Learning opportunities

Job summary

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to lead behavioral pharmacology studies using rodent models. You will design and supervise experiments, collect and analyze complex data, and contribute to grant proposals and publications. The role requires a Ph.D.

or equivalent doctorate and strong organizational and communication skills. The position involves training students, presenting results, and complying with all safety and regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in project specialization.
  • Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives; exercise independent judgment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and supervise as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct behavioral pharmacology studies using laboratory animals.
  • Perform operant behavioral procedures including drug discrimination or self-administration.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret behavioral and physiological data.
  • Prepare figures, tables, abstracts and manuscripts for dissemination.
  • Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences.
  • Assist in training students and research assistants.
  • Follow institutional procedures for animal care and data management.

Skills

Independent judgment
Organizational skills
Communication skills
Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Tools

Data acquisition software
Statistical analysis software

Job description

TTUHSC provides so much more than just a job! Enjoy excellent benefits , including paid leave, retirement plans, wellness programs, health insurance and so much more. Ready to start building a rewarding career in a positive environment where you can develop and thrive? Join us as we change the future of health care.

About TTUHSC

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is enriching the lives of others by educating students, providing excellent patient care, and advancing knowledge through innovative research. TTUHSC graduates more health care professionals than any other health care institution in the state, conferring 24.2% of all degrees and certificates awarded from health-related institutions in Texas. By providing comprehensive clinical services to more than 10 million individuals across 121 counties, TTUHSC is dedicated to advancing the health of people throughout Texas and beyond. This is where world-class education meets compassionate patient care – and we believe that our people are the reason for our institution’s lasting success and bright future.

Visa Information

TTUHSC, at its sole discretion, may initiate new H-1B I-129 visa petitions in accordance with the directive issued by Governor Abbott. Approval from the Texas Workforce Commission is required. On a limited, case-by-case basis, the institution may also sponsor eligible individuals for change-of-status or change-of-employer petitions for qualifying positions. TTUHSC will not pay the $100,000 fee, if applicable.

Position Description

Performs specialized post-doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with Ph.D. studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of the project. May supervise research and student assistants.

Major/Essential Functions
  • Conduct behavioral pharmacology studies involving laboratory animals.
  • Conduct operant behavioral procedures, including drug discrimination and drug self-administration.
  • Conduct behavioral and physiological assays, including:
    • Novel object recognition
    • Respiratory function assays
    • Drug withdrawal assays
    • Pain and antinociception assays
    • Locomotor activity assessments
  • Administer test compounds using appropriate routes of administration.
  • Monitor animals and document behavioral and physiological responses during experimental procedures.
  • Assist with rodent surgical procedures, intravenous catheterization, and catheter maintenance.
  • Participate in the development, validation, and optimization of experimental procedures.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret behavioral, physiological, and pharmacological data.
  • Apply appropriate statistical methods to evaluate research findings.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records, study documentation, and electronic data files.
  • Collect and process biological samples, including blood and tissues, for pharmacological, biochemical, or pharmacokinetic analyses.
  • Assist with in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro experiments, as appropriate.
  • Prepare figures, tables, abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, progress reports, and other scientific documents.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications.
  • Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences.
  • Assist with training students, research assistants, and other laboratory personnel.
  • Follow institutional requirements and established procedures related to animal care, research integrity, laboratory safety, controlled substances, and data management.
Occasional Duties
  • Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, study records, and standard operating procedures.
  • Contribute to departmental, institutional, and collaborative research activities.
  • Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., D.Sc., M.D.) in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed. In accordance with Texas Executive Order GA-48 and applicable state or federal law, this position may involve access to, work on, or conduct research involving critical infrastructure. It will require background checks, including, but not limited to, criminal history and other security-related screenings. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these checks.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in pharmacology, neuroscience, psychology, behavioral science, toxicology, physiology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Research experience in behavioral pharmacology, neuropharmacology, experimental psychology, or a related area.
  • Experience conducting behavioral studies involving laboratory animals.
  • Experience with operant behavioral procedures, particularly drug discrimination or drug self-administration.
  • Experience with compound preparation, dose calculations, and drug administration through multiple routes.
  • Experience using behavioral data‑acquisition and statistical‑analysis software.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments and collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data.
  • Strong organizational, problem‑solving, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate research records and manage multiple experimental responsibilities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
  • Experience with novel object recognition, respiratory function assays, drug withdrawal models, pain and antinociception assays, or locomotor activity assessments.
  • Experience with rodent surgical procedures, including intravenous catheterization and catheter maintenance.
  • Experience conducting in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments using the BASi Culex automated blood‑sampling system.
  • Experience collecting, processing, and analyzing blood, plasma, serum, brain, or other tissue samples.
  • Experience with ex vivo procedures, including tissue collection and preparation, receptor‑binding assays, biochemical analyses, immunoassays, or molecular analyses.
  • Experience with in vitro procedures, including cell culture, functional pharmacology assays, receptor‑signaling studies, or related molecular and biochemical techniques.
  • Evidence of scientific productivity through peer‑reviewed publications, abstracts, posters, or conference presentations.
Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Benefits

TTUHSC is committed to creating an environment where our team members can do their best work, with programs and benefits to support head-to-toe well-being. Explore just a few of the advantages of being a TTUHSC team member:

  • Health Plans + Supplemental Coverage Options – Individual health insurance provided at no cost for full-time team members
  • Paid Time Off – Including holidays, vacation, sick leave and more
  • Retirement Plans
  • Wellness Programs
  • Certified Mother-Friendly Workplace
  • Additionally, TTUHSC invests in the success of our team members by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, including lifelong learning programs, recognition programs, and health and wellness initiatives. Team members also enjoy a variety of other perks, such as special membership rates at local gyms and golf courses, access to state‑of‑the‑art software and facilities, and discounts on travel, technology, entertainment and more.
Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Grade Minimum

62,232

Pay Grade Maximum

62,232

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan website at https://app4.ttuhsc.edu/payplan .

Grant Funded?

No

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Are select agents used in this laboratory?

No

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Jeanne Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. By October 1 of each year, institutions must publish and distribute their Annual Campus Security Policy & Crime Statistics Report (ASR) to current and prospective students and employees. To view this report, visit the TTUHSC Clery Act website at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/compliance/clery-report .

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