Postdoctoral Research Associate-2

Texas A&M University System • Bryan, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts experiments to address the role of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system using mouse models. This role examines the role of NMDA receptor subtypes in astrocytes and interneurons, as well as the role of glutamate delta 1 receptor in Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain. The associate will utilize techniques including confocal imaging, brain slice electrophysiology, in vivo manipulations, molecular biology, drug discovery, and behavioral analysis, while applying genetic mouse models. The position involves conducting experiments, data analysis, preparation of reports, and presentation of findings in scientific meetings.

Requirements

• Appropriate PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, or related areas.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in in neuroscience, pharmacology, or related areas.
• Expertise in electrophysiology, neural circuit analysis, molecular biology, imaging, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry or biochemistry techniques are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conducts experiments to address role of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system using mouse models.
• Performs experiments including brain slice electrophysiology to evaluate changes in neurotransmission, in vivo manipulation to express different proteins in the neurons for optogenetics, chemogenetics and conditional deletion.
• Performs duties involving confocal imaging experiments to examine changes in synaptic markers or glutamate receptors in various disease models including Parkinson’s model and chronic pain model.
• Develops and applies assays for drug discovery for glutamate receptors, including in vitro assay as well as cell-free assay and in vivo testing.
• Mouse model testing includes behavioral analysis in various paradigms including cognitive function, sensory and aversive behavior in chronic pain models, motor function in Parkinson’s disease model and other behaviors related to anxiety and depression.
• Develops new ideas related to the ongoing studies and testing new hypothesis.
• Analyzes data generated by electrophysiology, imaging, drug discovery and behavioral experiments using different software.
• Compiles reports for publication and funded or future grant applications.
• Publishes research findings in peer reviewed journals.
• Applies for fellowship relevant to the area of research.

Benefits

• 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 the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Free exercise programs and release time
• 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

What This Job Offers

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