Postdoctoral Associate (Buczynski Lab)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career-focused mentorship

Strong funding and project ownership

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT) is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow for the Gregus/Buczynski Lab, focusing on new treatments for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder. The position offers hands-on training in various methodologies, collaborative projects, and a supportive lab culture. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field, have strong organizational and communication skills, and be experienced with mammalian cell cultures or rodent models. The position is exempt with a standard 40-hour workweek.

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 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.

Skills

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Experience with mammalian cell culture

Knowledge of behavioral models

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.

Our lab integrates behavioral pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, cell‑based assays, and mass spectrometry to address clinically relevant questions with clear translational potential. Postdoctoral fellows receive hands‑on training across experimental design, data analysis, and advanced methodologies while building a professional profile positioned for success in academia, biotech, or pharmaceutical science.

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. We believe strong science comes from people who feel respected, supported, and excited about their work. Regular availability for individual meetings, collaborative troubleshooting, and transparent expectations are core to our mentoring style. 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.

Note: Candidates with complementary training backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they bring strong motivation to learn new techniques.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment Type

Restricted.

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week

40 hours – exempt position.

Review Date

3/31/2026.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

EEO Statement

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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Langowsky at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.