Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) • Galveston, TX

13d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts, reports, and presents research in their field under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This is a training position and is not expected to be permanent. The fellow independently designs, organizes, and conducts advanced specialized experiments using established scientific protocols and procedures, and may design new protocols. They summarize findings and publish results in research journals, take general responsibility for laboratory scientific operations, and provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

The research focuses on cellular and molecular neuroscience, including neuronal excitability and potential therapeutic targets. The fellow uses electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral approaches as relevant to laboratory projects, and contributes to experimental design, assay development, optimization, analysis, and dissemination of results. The position also involves laboratory recordkeeping, compliance with institutional and federal research requirements, multidisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring trainees.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or doctoral equivalent in any field.
• Scientific research experience.
• Knowledge in the relevant scientific discipline with increasing professional achievement.
• Specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject area, potentially enabling project-specific lead responsibilities.
• Data analysis skills.
• Technical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication skills.

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.

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 quantitative analysis of neuronal responses.
• Establish and maintain primary neuronal cultures and other mammalian cell culture systems as applicable to laboratory projects.
• Apply molecular biology approaches, 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.
• Assume general responsibility for the 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