Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

UTMB Health • Galveston, TX

12d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts, reports, and presents research in the fellow’s field of study under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This is a training position and is not expected to be permanent. Working independently, the fellow designs, organizes, and conducts specialized and advanced experiments using established protocols and procedures, and may develop new protocols. The fellow summarizes findings, publishes results in research journals, assumes general responsibility for laboratory scientific operations, and provides guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

The role focuses on cellular and molecular neuroscience research, including studies of neuronal excitability and potential therapeutic targets. It involves electrophysiology, calcium imaging, neuronal and mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy, and analysis of experimental data. The fellow also contributes to research publications and presentations, maintains laboratory records and compliance, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and assists in training and mentoring trainees.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or doctoral equivalent in any field.
• Scientific research experience.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical discipline.
• Experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology.
• Experience with calcium imaging and neuronal cell culture.
• Experience investigating neuronal excitability, receptors, or ion channels.
• Experience with molecular biology methods, including PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and/or RNA in situ hybridization.
• Experience with primary neuronal cultures and/or human-derived neuronal preparations.
• Experience with quantitative microscopy and image analysis.
• Experience with rodent models and basic behavioral assays.
• Strong experimental design, quantitative analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publication.
• Ability to work effectively independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience mentoring or training students.
• Knowledge in the relevant scientific discipline with increasing professional achievement.
• Specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject area that may allow for project-specific lead responsibilities.
• Peer recognition in progress.
• Data analysis, technical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct cellular and molecular neuroscience experiments.
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize neuronal excitability and ion-channel function.
• Perform calcium imaging and quantitatively analyze neuronal responses.
• Establish and maintain primary neuronal cultures and other mammalian cell culture systems as applicable to laboratory projects.
• Apply molecular biology methods, including PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization.
• Conduct quantitative imaging and microscopy studies, including confocal microscopy.
• Analyze electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral datasets using appropriate analytical and statistical software.
• Contribute to studies examining mechanisms of neuronal excitability and potential therapeutic targets.
• Assist with experimental design, assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and federal research requirements.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Assist with training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other trainees.
• Participate in laboratory, departmental, and project meetings.
• Summarize findings and publish research results.
• Assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory and provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

What This Job Offers

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