Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

The University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct advanced neuroscience experiments under faculty mentorship. This training position emphasizes independent design, execution and reporting of results, along with supervision of junior staff.

The role involves patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, neuronal cultures, and molecular biology techniques, with opportunities to publish and contribute to grant materials.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.
• Experience in specialized neuroscience and laboratory techniques.
• Proven ability to design, conduct and report high-level experiments.

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 relevant to projects.
• Apply molecular biology approaches including PCR, cloning, immunocytochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization.
• Conduct quantitative imaging and microscopy studies, including confocal microscopy.
• Analyze electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral datasets with appropriate software.
• Contribute to studies on neuronal excitability mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
• Assist with experimental design, assay development, optimization and troubleshooting.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts and grant materials; maintain accurate records and comply with regulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor trainees.
• Participate in lab and department meetings.

Skills

Data Analysis

Technical and Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Scientific Research Experience

Education

Ph.D./M.D. or Doctoral equivalent

Tools

Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

PCR

Molecular cloning

Immunocytochemistry

RNA in situ hybridization

Confocal microscopy

Job description

Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct, report and present research in his/her field of study under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This is a training position, and is not expected to be a permanent position. Functioning independently, the Postdoctoral Researcher will design, organize and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments using established scientific protocols and procedures and, in some cases, designing new protocols; summarize findings and publish results in research journals; assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory; provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 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, as applicable to laboratory projects.
• 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.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Knowledge in the relevant scientific discipline with increasing professional achievement.
• Specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject area, which may allow for project – specific lead responsibilities
• Peer Recognition in progress.
• Data Analysis
• Technical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication Skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical discipline.
• 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 molecular biology methods, including 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, quantitative analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publication.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience mentoring or training students is desirable.

SALARY

Commensurate with experience using the NIH standard.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Galveston

Work Locations

1059 - Medical Research Bldg.

Job

Training & EducationRegular

Shift

Standard

Employee Status

Team Lead / Technical

Job Level

Day Shift

Job Posting

Oct 23, 2026, 9:49:24 AM