Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

Utmb; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct high-level cellular and molecular neuroscience studies under faculty mentorship. The role emphasizes independent project design, experimental execution, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

The candidate will work with established protocols and may develop new approaches, contributing to scientific operations and mentoring junior staff within a collaborative laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.
• Postdoctoral fellow will design, organize and conduct advanced experiments and publish results.
• Ability to mentor junior researchers and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct cellular and molecular neuroscience experiments.
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize neuronal excitability.
• 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, cloning, immunocytochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization.
• Conduct quantitative imaging and microscopy studies, including confocal microscopy.
• Analyze electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral datasets.
• Assist with training and mentoring students and staff.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and grant-related materials.

Skills

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Technical Troubleshooting

Independent Work

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related biomedical field

Tools

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

Molecular biology methods (PCR, cloning)

Immunocytochemistry

RNA in situ hybridization

Confocal microscopy

Job description

• 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
• 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.

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.

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