Research Scientist I, Brain Health & Organoid Models

UTMB Health; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health in Galveston, TX, invites applications for a Research Scientist I in the Moody Brain Health Institute. The role conducts interdisciplinary neuroscience research using iPSC-derived organoids and other models to study neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and cognitive resilience.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze data, train staff, and communicate findings through papers and grant materials, with growing independence and collaboration across MBHI and UTMB.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Graduate-level experience designing and conducting neuroscience or biomedical research.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and troubleshooting research methods.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or comparable scholarly contributions.
• Experience with cell culture and/or human-relevant cellular models.
• Effective written and verbal communication and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to train or mentor students, trainees, or research personnel.

Responsibilities

• Establish research objectives, experimental strategies, and methods for assigned projects in consultation with the supervising investigator.
• Design, optimize, and conduct studies using human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids, neural stem/progenitor cells, and other relevant models.
• Develop and characterize models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, including tau and amyloid-beta oligomer toxicity.
• Perform advanced workflows including sterile 2D/3D culture, microscopy, tissue processing, molecular assays, electrophysiological or functional analyses, and data acquisition.
• Analyze and interpret data; troubleshoot technical or scientific problems; and implement appropriate controls and quality-assurance measures.
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation, reproducible workflows, and compliance with safety, biosafety, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare figures, reports, abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related scientific materials; communicate progress to the supervising investigator.
• Provide technical direction and training to research staff, students, and other trainees and oversee assigned tasks as appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators, and support shared MBHI resources, equipment, protocols, and project planning.
• Review scientific literature, contribute to method development and innovation, and perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Neuroscience

iPSC-derived models

Cerebral organoids

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Mentoring and training

Collaboration and independence

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Graduate-level neuroscience/biomedical research experience

Publications or presentations as evidence

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Electrophysiology equipment

Tissue processing

Organoid culture

Job description

UTMB Health in Galveston, TX, invites applications for a Research Scientist I in the Moody Brain Health Institute. The role conducts interdisciplinary neuroscience research using iPSC-derived organoids and other models to study neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and cognitive resilience.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze data, train staff, and communicate findings through papers and grant materials, with growing independence and collaboration across MBHI and UTMB.