Postdoctoral Research Fellow - IMM, Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Texas is seeking a highly motivated biomedical postdoc to study astrocyte functions in the brain. This role offers an opportunity for early-career researchers to develop independent research skills and contribute to significant scientific advancements. The ideal candidate will have a recent PhD in neuroscience or a related field and experience in various advanced methodologies. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

100% paid medical premiums

Generous time off

Longevity Pay

Retirement/pension plan

Free financial and legal counseling

Free mental health counseling services

Gym membership discounts

Resources for child and elder care

Qualifications

• Experience in animal physiology, molecular biology, and neuroscience required.
• Skilled in handling mice, brain anatomy, and survival surgical skills.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications.
• Assists in training and mentoring lab personnel.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with individuals at all levels.

Skills

Animal Physiology

Molecular Biology

Neuroscience

Interpersonal Skills

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Education

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Tools

Optogenetics

Chemogenetics

In Vivo Calcium Imaging

Stereotaxic Viral Delivery

Job description

Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine

The position involves studies on the role of astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, in regulating behaviors in health and disease. A recent PhD in neuroscience or a related field is required. Highly motivated individuals with experience in animal physiology, molecular biology and neuroscience are desired. The ideal candidates should be skilled in handling mice, brain anatomy, survival surgical skills, and imaging methods. Projects will be centered on understanding astrocyte function in the brain controlling social, cognitive, and emotional behaviors using optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, stereotaxic viral delivery and behavioral tests.

Salary and benefits will follow National Institutes of Health and UTHealth guidelines. The Yu lab is located in the Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. UTHealth Houston is one of the several institutions located at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center (TMC). The vast resources within the TMC make it an ideal place to facilitate the success of projects, provide avenues for collaborations with other laboratories and nurture career development. Please refer to our website (https://www.yu-lab.org/) for specific research directions in the lab. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
2. Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
3. Reads and evaluates literature.
4. Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
5. Have strong written and oral communication skills.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Highly motivated individuals with experience in animal physiology, molecular biology and neuroscience are desired. The ideal candidates should be skilled in handling mice, brain anatomy, survival surgical skills, and imaging methods. Projects will be centered on understanding astrocyte function in the brain controlling social, cognitive, and emotional behaviors using optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, stereotaxic viral delivery and behavioral tests.

Minimum Education:

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.