Postdoctoral Associate (Buczynski Lab)

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the Gregus/Buczynski Lab in Blacksburg, Virginia. This role focuses on developing novel treatments for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder within an extramurally funded collaborative environment. The successful candidate will design and analyze experiments, contribute to grant proposals, and mentor junior trainees. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field, along with experience in cell culture and rodent models. Regular mentorship and a supportive lab culture are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or rodent behavioral models.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage experiments independently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments.
• Interpret data and present findings in lab meetings, conferences, and publications.
• Collaborate at the interface of academia and industry.
• Contribute to grant proposals and co-author manuscripts.
• Mentor junior trainees as desired, building leadership experience.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience, pharmacology, or related discipline

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Bioanalytical techniques

Job description

Job Description

The Gregus/Buczynski Lab is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an extramurally funded, highly collaborative research program focused on developing new, mechanistically driven treatments for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder – two major unmet clinical needs.

Why Work in the Gregus/Buczynski Lab?

• Strong funding & project ownership: Work on funded projects with room to develop independent ideas and lead publications.
• Career focused mentorship: Structured mentorship tailored to your goals (academic faculty, industry scientist, or hybrid paths).
• Translational science with real‑world impact: Research directly relevant to therapeutic development.
• Outstanding collaborative network: Active collaborations with Scripps Research, Mayo Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, industry partners, and multiple Virginia Tech departments.

What You’ll Do

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments.
• Interpret data and present findings in lab meetings, conferences, and publications.
• Collaborate at the interface of academia and industry.
• Contribute to grant proposals and co‑author manuscripts.
• Mentor junior trainees as desired, building leadership experience.

Mentorship & Lab Culture

Our lab is team oriented, supportive, collegial, and inclusive. Strong science comes from people who feel respected, supported, and excited about their work. We offer regular availability for individual meetings, collaborative troubleshooting, and transparent expectations. Training plans are customized to your career goals and evolve as you grow.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or rodent behavioral models.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage experiments independently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research background in pain, addiction, or related neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Experience with mass spectrometry or bioanalytical techniques.
• Experience with mouse surgical procedures or in vivo pharmacology.
• Prior experience contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, or conference presentations.
• Experience in all techniques used in the lab is not required as we value strong scientific thinking, work ethic, and enthusiasm for learning as much as prior technical expertise.

Additional Information

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.
Restricted appointment type.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Hours per week: 40 hours – exempt position.
Review Date: 3/31/2026.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.