Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Society for Neuroscience; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

UTHealth Houston in Houston, TX, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neurobiology & Anatomy to explore neural circuits underlying learning, memory, and navigation. The fellow will combine in vivo neural recording, calcium imaging, behavioral assays, and computational analysis in mice, with opportunities for independent directions within the lab.

The role emphasizes designing experiments, developing behavioral paradigms, and mentoring trainees while ensuring compliance with animal research

Qualifications

• A doctoral/terminal degree is required.
• Strong background in systems and behavioral neuroscience including neural recording or imaging in freely behaving or head-fixed animals.
• Experience in quantitative behavioral experiments and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data.
• Experience in neurobiology, electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, mouse models, and animal handling or husbandry is preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and recordkeeping skills are important.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative systems and behavioral neuroscience experiments, including planning, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Use approaches such as in vivo calcium imaging and/or electrophysiology in freely behaving mice, quantitative behavioral assays, and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data.
• Develop and validate behavioral environments, experimental paradigms, and research tools for studies of spatial learning, navigation, and memory.
• Analyze neural population activity and its relationship to behavior; develop computational workflows for visualization and statistical analysis.
• Present findings at scientific meetings, prepare manuscripts, maintain reproducible records, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to mentoring trainees and maintain compliance with animal research, safety, and integrity policies.

Skills

Neural recording

In vivo calcium imaging

Electrophysiology

Behavioral neuroscience

Computational analysis

Mouse models

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD)

Tools

Calcium imaging

Electrophysiology

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Neurobiology & Anatomy
UTHealth Houston | McGovern Medical School

The Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to join the laboratory of Yanjun Sun, Ph.D. The laboratory investigates neural circuit mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and spatial navigation, with a particular interest in adaptive and maladaptive spatial learning and navigation.

The successful candidate will lead research projects integrating in vivo neural recording, behavioral experimentation, and computational analysis to understand how neural activity gives rise to learning and behavior. The position offers opportunities to develop new experimental and analytical approaches and pursue increasingly independent research directions within the laboratory’s broader scientific program.

Research responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative systems and behavioral neuroscience experiments, including experimental planning, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Use approaches such as in vivo calcium imaging and/or electrophysiology in freely behaving mice, quantitative behavioral assays, and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data.
• Develop and validate behavioral environments, experimental paradigms, and research tools for studies of spatial learning, navigation, and memory.
• Analyze neural population activity and its relationship to behavior; develop or implement computational workflows for visualization and statistical analysis.
• Present findings at scientific meetings, prepare manuscripts, maintain reproducible laboratory records, and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Contribute to mentoring trainees and maintain compliance with applicable animal research, safety, and research-integrity policies.

Qualifications and preferred experience

A doctoral/terminal degree is required. Candidates should have a strong background in systems and behavioral neuroscience, including neural recording or imaging in freely behaving or head-fixed animals, quantitative behavioral experiments, and computational analysis of neural and behavioral data. Experience in neurobiology, electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, mouse models, and animal handling or husbandry is preferred. Strong communication, collaboration, and recordkeeping skills are important.

About UTHealth Houston

UTHealth Houston is a major academic health science center located in the Texas Medical Center, offering a collaborative environment for biomedical discovery. Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage, paid leave, retirement plans, and wellness resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTHealth Houston is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law or University policy. Reasonable accommodation, based on disability or religious observances, will be considered in accordance with applicable law and UTHealth Houston policy.