Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Bryan, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join the Case Laboratory in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Medical Physiology at Texas A&M University School of Medicine. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on neuroimmunology, stress and trauma biology, and the mechanisms through which immune-brain interactions contribute to physiological and behavioral outcomes. Current research interests include understanding how traumatic stress influences immune function and susceptibility to cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, as well as how immune signaling shapes behavior before and after traumatic experiences.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to develop and lead research projects, contribute to grant and manuscript preparation, mentor trainees, and collaborate with faculty and research staff within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Requirements

• Appropriate PhD in a neuroscience, immunology, physiology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Research experience in neuroimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, or immune-brain communication.
• Experience studying stress, trauma, PTSD-related mechanisms, or behavioral neuroscience.
• Expertise in immunological techniques, including flow cytometry, immune cell phenotyping, cytokine analysis, or related approaches.
• Experience with cardiovascular physiology or cardiovascular disease models.
• Background in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, transcriptomic analyses, or related methods.
• Experience with advanced statistical analysis and scientific programming.
• Prior experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
• Demonstrated success in manuscript preparation and grant writing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research studies.
• Experience working with rodent models, including mouse handling and experimental procedures.
• Experience performing rodent surgical techniques.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Independence.
• Strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.
• Design, execute, and analyze independent research projects aligned with the laboratory's focus on neuroimmune interactions and trauma-related physiology.
• Develop and implement mouse models relevant to neuroimmunology, stress biology, cardiovascular physiology, and immune-mediated disease processes.
• Perform rodent surgical procedures and provide postoperative monitoring and care.
• Conduct physiological, immunological, molecular, and behavioral experiments using established and emerging methodologies.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of extramural grant applications, fellowship proposals, and progress reports.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and ethical regulations governing animal research.
• Actively participates in the preparation of required progress reports to research sponsors.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators across disciplines including immunology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and cardiovascular physiology.
• Assist in laboratory management, organization, and maintenance of research equipment and resources.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory personnel.
• Lead a team of research personnel and, along with the PI, serve as point for project management.
• Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
• Participates in professional development workshops both nationally and locally to develop non-research acumen.
• Assists in financial management strategies for laboratory operations and assists in maintaining/developing budgets for research endeavors.

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
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: 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
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

What This Job Offers

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