Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

University of New England Career • Biddeford, ME

7d

About The Position

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will design, conduct, analyze, and interpret studies examining the neural mechanisms of corneal pain and dry eye. This role involves developing and utilizing rodent models, performing electrophysiological studies, and applying advanced techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics to understand neuronal functions. The fellow will also conduct molecular and cellular characterization of neural circuits, apply quantitative approaches to data analysis, and maintain meticulous research records. Responsibilities include preparing scientific publications and presentations, collaborating with colleagues, mentoring junior members, and ensuring adherence to all institutional research standards.

Requirements

• PhD and/or DDS, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting hypothesis-driven biomedical research.
• Record of scholarly productivity appropriate to career stage, such as peer-reviewed publications, preprints, conference presentations, or a completed doctoral dissertation.
• Experience with at least one area relevant to the laboratory’s research, such as: Sensory neuroscience or pain research; Rodent models and procedures; Optogenetics or chemogenetics; Molecular or cellular neuroscience; or Microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Ability and willingness to work with rodents and rodent tissues.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze results critically, and troubleshoot complex research procedures.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Commitment to research rigor, reproducibility, ethical conduct, and animal welfare.
• Willingness to complete all required institutional training.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret studies examining the neural mechanisms of corneal pain and dry eye.
• Develop and use rodent models of dry eye, ocular surface injury, inflammation, and corneal pain.
• Perform electrophysiological studies of sensory neurons and pain-processing pathways.
• Use optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to identify and manipulate neuronal populations involved in corneal sensation and nociception.
• Perform rodent procedures that may include anesthesia, surgery, ocular treatments, peripheral or central injections, viral-vector delivery, tissue collection, and behavioral testing.
• Conduct molecular and cellular characterization of sensory neurons and neural circuits using methods such as immunohistochemistry, fluorescence or confocal microscopy, image analysis, RNA-based assays, and protein analysis.
• Apply quantitative approaches to experimental design, data analysis, statistical testing, and data visualization.
• Establish, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Maintain complete and accurate experimental records, animal records, protocols, and research data.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and oral presentations.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with other laboratory members and investigators.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, technicians, or other junior laboratory members as appropriate.
• Participate in laboratory organization, maintenance of shared research resources, and development of a rigorous and collaborative research environment.
• Conduct all research in accordance with institutional requirements for animal welfare, biosafety, research integrity, and data management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree