Postdoc in Neuropharmacology & Neuronal Excitability

UTMB Health; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health in Galveston, TX seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology to design and conduct advanced neuroscience experiments. The role involves whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, calcium imaging, and primary neuronal cultures, with molecular biology and imaging work across multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a PhD and a strong publication record, plus skills in molecular biology, imaging, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in a biomedical discipline (Neuroscience/Brain & Behavioral Sciences/Pharmacology/Physiology/ Molecular Biology)
• Experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology
• Experience with calcium imaging and neuronal cell culture
• Experience investigating neuronal excitability, receptors, or ion channels
• Experience with PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and/or RNA in situ hybridization
• Experience with primary neuronal cultures and/or human-derived neuronal preparations
• Experience with quantitative microscopy and image analysis
• Experience with rodent models and basic behavioral assays is desirable
• Strong experimental design and quantitative analysis skills
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publication
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
• Experience mentoring or training students is desirable

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct cellular and molecular neuroscience experiments.
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize neuronal excitability and ion-channel function.
• Perform calcium imaging and quantitative analysis of neuronal responses.
• Establish and maintain primary neuronal cultures and other mammalian cell culture systems.
• Apply molecular biology approaches including PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization.
• Conduct quantitative imaging and microscopy studies, including confocal microscopy.
• Analyze electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral datasets using appropriate analytical and statistical software.
• Contribute to studies examining mechanisms of neuronal excitability and potential therapeutic targets.
• Assist with experimental design, assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and federal research requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Assist with training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other trainees.
• Participate in laboratory, departmental, and project meetings.

Skills

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

Cell culture

Molecular biology

PCR

Molecular cloning

Immunocytochemistry

RNA in situ hybridization

Confocal microscopy

Data analysis

Experimental design

Team collaboration

Education

PhD

Tools

Confocal microscope

PCR machine

Job description

UTMB Health in Galveston, TX seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Pharmacology to design and conduct advanced neuroscience experiments. The role involves whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, calcium imaging, and primary neuronal cultures, with molecular biology and imaging work across multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a PhD and a strong publication record, plus skills in molecular biology, imaging, and data analysis.