Postdoctoral Research Associate

University Of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska Medical Center seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Shen Lab to investigate mechanisms of epileptogenesis and brain development. The role integrates molecular, imaging, and neurophysiological approaches to advance understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The successful candidate will work in state-of-the-art facilities, including behavioral and imaging cores, calcium imaging, and optogenetics, with extensive collaborative opportunities across UNMC.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery (must).
• Strong background in neuroscience, neurophysiology, or molecular biology.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms of epileptogenesis and brain development.
• Employ molecular, imaging, and neurophysiological approaches in research.
• Collaborate across UNMC core facilities and interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Rodent stereotaxic surgery

EEG recordings

Neuroscience background

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline

Tools

EEG equipment

Viral vector delivery

Advanced microscopy

Job description

UNMC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Location

Location Omaha, NE

Requisition Number:

Requisition Number: 2026 - 312

Department

Department Pediatrics Neurology 50000639

Business Unit(College/Institute)

Business Unit(College/Institute) College of Medicine

FTE:

100

Reg-Temp

Reg-Temp Full-Time Regular

Work Schedule

Work Schedule TBD

Requisition Category

Requisition Category Research - Academic

Requisition Title

Requisition Title Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title/Academic Rank

Job Title/Academic Rank Postdoctoral Research Associate

Additional Requisition Title

Appointment Type

Appointment Type A1 - REG OTHER ACAD SAL

Salary Range

Salary Range Salary Commensurate with Experience

Job/EEO Category

Job/EEO Category Professional Non-Faculty (Includes Other Academic)

Job Requisition Begin Date

Job Requisition Begin Date 08/10/2026

Position Qualification

Position Summary

The Shen Lab at UNMC is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate
to join our team investigating the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and brain
development. Our research integrates molecular, imaging, and neurophysiological
approaches to understand neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular focus on
perineuronal nets and their role in seizure susceptibility. This position offers an
excellent training environment with access to state-of-the-art core facilities including
behavioral and imaging cores, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and extensive
interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities across UNMC .

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery (must)
• Strong background in neuroscience, neurophysiology, or molecular biology
• Experience with EEG recordings, behavioral testing, viral vector delivery, or
advanced microscopy

Supplemental Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational, communication, and data analysis skills
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

WORKING ENVIRONMENT The information provided below best describes the Environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the Environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Lab environment Other working environment N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Bending, stooping, twisting Occasionally

Crawling Not Applicable

Driving

Driving Not Applicable

Kneeling

Kneeling Not Applicable

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally

Sitting Up to 2 hours

Standing

Standing Up to 2 hours

Squatting Occasionally

Walking

Walking Up to 2 hours

EXPOSURES

Atmospheric

Atmospheric Yes

Blood/body fluids

Blood/body fluids Yes

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards Yes

Working on or around moving machinery

Working on or around moving machinery No

Electrical current

Electrical current No

Noise No

Changes of temperature/humidity

Changes of temperature/humidity No

Wear PPE

Wear PPE Yes

Work with laboratory animals

Work with laboratory animals Yes

Radiation

Operating hand/power tools

Operating hand/power tools No

If you answered yes to any area above, please explain

Hand/Wrists

Fine Manipulation

Fine Manipulation Both

Repetitive Motion

Repetitive Motion Both

Grasping

Grasping Both

If you selected any area above, please explain

Addtional

Describe any other aspects and demands of the job not listed in this description.

Required Documents

• C.V.

Optional Documents

Requisition Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have, or will you possess in the near future, a Doctoral degree in the area(s) identified in this posting?
• Yes
• No
• * If you have not yet graduated, can you provide an enrollment verification or enrollment certificate with expected graduation date from your university or institution?This can be uploaded as "other document"
• Yes
• No
• * If you do not yet have the degree required for this position, what is your expected graduation date?

(Open Ended Question)

• * How many published articles do you have?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Of these published articles, how many are you first-author

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please enter the name of your doctoral degree-granting institution.

(Open Ended Question)

• * How many years of postgraduate research experience do you have as of the date you are submitting this application?

(Open Ended Question)

• * Please select one of the following:
• I am a U.S. citizen
• I am a non-citizen national of the U.S.
• I am a permanent resident (green card holder)
• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status

How did you hear about this position?

• Careerlink
• Employee Referral
• HERC
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• Lincoln Journal Star
• Linkedin
• Omaha World Herald
• UNMC Job Site
• Facebook
• NEWorks
• Handshake
• Other

If Other, please specify the source. Otherwise, indicate NA.

Individuals who need accommodation during the online application or interview process may contact 402-559-4070 or [e-mail] to request an accommodation.