Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University Health Science Center in Houston invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The role focuses on stem cell biology and lung development using human pluripotent stem cell-derived airway models.

The incumbent will conduct independent and collaborative research, develop hPSC maintenance and differentiation protocols, interpret data, and contribute to publications and grant-related materials. A strong team environment is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in biology or related field.
• Experience in stem cell biology, epithelial biology, or lung biology preferred.
• Experience with manuscript preparation and presentations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research related to human pluripotent stem cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial differentiation and disease modeling.
• Develop, optimize, and perform hPSC maintenance and lung differentiation experiments.
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven studies on epithelial maturation and fibrosis-related remodeling.
• Perform molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional assays including flow cytometry and microscopy.
• Assist with animal xenograft model experiments and tissue collection as needed.
• Prepare figures, summaries, manuscripts, abstracts, and progress reports.

Skills

Stem cell biology

Lung biology

Epithelial biology

Molecular biology

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence

Microscopy

qPCR

RNA-seq

Job description

Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department IBT - CGPM - Ramos

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Houston, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research in stem cell biology, lung developmental biology, epithelial cell fate specification, and human disease modeling. The position will focus on human pluripotent stem cell-derived airway and lung epithelial models, including region-specific airway basal stem cells, hillock-like airway epithelial cells, distal airway/alveolar differentiation, epithelial maturation, disease modeling and lung epithelial injury/regeneration.

What you need to know

Schedule: Occasional work on weekends and/or after normal business hours may be required for cell culture maintenance, time-sensitive experiments, animal monitoring, or sample processing

Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct independent and collaborative research related to human pluripotent stem cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial differentiation, regional lung epithelial identity, and lung disease modeling.
• Develop, optimize, and perform hPSC maintenance, directed lung differentiation, airway basal cell differentiation, ALI culture, distal airway/alveolar differentiation, and related in vitro disease-modeling experiments.
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven studies related to epithelial cell fate specification, airway/lung epithelial maturation, hillock-like epithelial cell development, basal cell regional identity, and fibrosis- or disease-associated epithelial remodeling.
• Perform and analyze molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional assays, including flow cytometry, immunostaining, microscopy, qPCR, sequencing sample preparation, and other standard or advanced cell and molecular biology approaches.
• Assist with animal xenograft model experiments, tissue/sample collection, and downstream analysis in accordance with approved institutional protocols, as needed.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data; maintain accurate and timely research records; troubleshoot complex protocols; and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and quality-control practices.
• Prepare figures, written summaries, manuscripts, abstracts, and progress reports. Contribute intellectually to research papers, articles, publications, and grant-related materials.

Mentoring

• Assist with mentoring and training students, research assistants, and other laboratory personnel in hPSC culture, lung differentiation protocols, experimental design, data organization, laboratory techniques, safety procedures, and responsible research practices.
• Support a collaborative laboratory environment by helping junior lab members develop technical skills, experimental rigor, and scientific reasoning.

Presentations

• Prepare and present research findings in laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, scientific conferences, and other small or large group settings.
• Actively participate in the preparation of technical progress reports, sponsor updates, and research presentations related to funded projects.

Department/Laboratory Research Support

• Support laboratory organization, reagent preparation, inventory management, protocol documentation, equipment maintenance, sample tracking, data management, and coordination with sequencing, histology, imaging, flow cytometry, animal, or other core facilities.
• Assist with biosafety, stem cell, and animal research documentation as needed. Participate in maintaining compliance with institutional policies, approved research protocols, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Education

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree, in biology, biomedical sciences, stem cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, cancer biology, physiology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in stem cell biology, developmental biology, epithelial biology, lung biology, disease modeling, cancer biology, fibrosis biology, regenerative biology, organoid models, molecular biology, or animal model research is preferred.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, hPSC culture or differentiation, organoid culture, ALI culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, qPCR, RNA-seq or single-cell sequencing sample preparation, bioinformatics/data analysis, histology/sample processing, and/or animal model support is preferred.
• Prior experience with manuscript preparation, figure generation, scientific presentations, experimental design, and hypothesis-driven research is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, analyze, and interpret experiments independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent sterile technique and knowledge of biosafety practices, with the ability to learn technically demanding hPSC maintenance and directed lung differentiation protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and timely research records.
• Ability to analyze, summarize, and communicate research results clearly.
• Ability to prepare figures, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and progress-report materials.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to mentor and support students, research assistants, and other laboratory personnel.
• Familiarity with data organization, laboratory inventory management, and animal research compliance requirements.
• Ability to assist with animal model-related experimental preparation, monitoring, tissue/sample collection, and downstream analysis under approved protocols.

Why Texas A&M University?

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.