Research Scientist

Texas A&M University System; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Wellness programs

Professional development

Tuition assistance

Employee programs

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a Research Scientist in Houston, TX to conduct complex independent research in neuroimmunology, focusing on neuroimmune inflammatory pain and itch mechanisms. The role emphasizes in vivo experiments, behavioral testing, and colony management, with opportunities to publish findings.

The candidate will collaborate across a multidisciplinary team, contribute to grant writing, and support daily lab operations while adhering to safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field. Six years of related experience in Immunology, neuroscience or related field.
• Familiarity with Flow Cytometry, behavioral assays, tissue sectioning, or immunochemistry.
• Prior hands-on experience with rodent handling, breeding, and colony management.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Analytical skills, including use of statistical software (Prism or R).
• Must be able to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary collaborative team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Colony Management: Manage and maintain multiple transgenic mouse lines, including routine genotyping.
• In Vivo Models & Behavior: Assist in executing preclinical mouse models, including multiple behavioral assays.
• Benchwork: Conduct standard molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, including immunochemistry and tissue processing.
• Data Analysis: Record experimental data meticulously and perform preliminary statistical significance testing on biological datasets.
• Laboratory Operations: Maintain laboratory inventory, ensure proper functioning of pain testing equipment, and strictly uphold safety mitigations and compliance standards.
• Assist with grant acquisition.
• Mentoring/Supervision: May assist student researchers and supervise assigned staff and students.
• Presentations: Prepare materials for seminars, lab meetings, and posters; contribute to progress reports.

Skills

Verbal and written skills

Statistical analysis

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in a related field

Six years of related experience in Immunology/ Neuroscience

Tools

Flow Cytometry

Behavioral assays

Tissue sectioning

Immunochemistry

Rodent handling

Rodent breeding

Job description

Job Title

Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

School of Engineering Medicine

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 Research Scientist, under direction by Dustin Green, is responsible for conducting complex independent research in the field of Neuroimmunology. This position supports research focused on unraveling neuroimmune inflammatory pain and itch mechanisms. The Research Scientist will play a critical role in driving daily laboratory operations, with a primary emphasis on in vivo experimental support, behavioral testing, and comprehensive transgenic colony management. The Research Scientist will utilize techniques and strategies taught to them by their education and experiences to work towards solving the question presented by their research project. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Oversee the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty.

What you need to know

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Responsibilities:

Research

• Colony Management: Manage and maintain multiple transgenic mouse lines, including routine genotyping.
• In Vivo Models & Behavior: Assist in executing preclinical mouse models, including multiple behavioral assays.
• Benchwork : Conduct standard molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, including immunochemistry and tissue processing.
• Data Analysis: Record experimental data meticulously and perform preliminary statistical significance testing on biological datasets.
• Laboratory Operations: Maintain laboratory inventory, ensure proper functioning of pain testing equipment, and strictly uphold safety mitigations and compliance standards.
• Assist with grant acquisition.

Mentoring/Supervision

• May assist student researchers, Postdoctoral Research Associates, Assistant Research Scientists, and/or Associate Research Scientists who are working on research related to the project.
• May supervise assigned staff and/or students.

Presentations:

• Assist in preparing presentation materials on research topics such as seminars, lab meetings, or poster presentations.
• Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• PhD in a related field. Six years of related experience in Immunology, neuroscience or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Flow Cytometry, behavioral assays, tissue sectioning, or immunochemistry
• Prior hands-on experience with rodent handling, breeding, and colony management

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Analytical skills, including use of statistical software (Prism or R).
• Must be able to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary collaborative team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.

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• 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 leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for 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.