Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Kingsville, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Natural Toxins Research Center (NNTRC) at Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK) invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with extensive experience in venom and toxin research. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the chemical, biological, and pharmacological characterization of natural toxins, with an emphasis on translational and mechanistic studies. This position offers access to unique venom libraries, state-of-the-art analytical and biological assay facilities, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Texas A&M University–Kingsville, the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in its 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. It is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000, home of the legendary King Ranch, and is just 40 miles from Corpus Christi and its beaches.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related natural science discipline.
• Two years of related experience.
• Demonstrated extensive experience with venom-derived toxins, natural toxins, and related bioactive proteins or peptides, including experimental design and data interpretation.
• Proven expertise in: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Proven expertise in: In vitro assays and mammalian cell culture
• Proven expertise in: In vivo mouse assays
• Proven expertise in: Flow cytometry
• Proven expertise in: Cell-based functional assays
• Experience handling, analyzing, and interpreting large or complex datasets.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to design and work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research teams.
• Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety practices, biosafety regulations, and responsible conduct of research standards.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or significant contributions to funded research projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of office software and instructional programs
• Knowledge of principles and methods for teaching and instructing individuals and groups
• Skilled in utilizing various learning and active listening strategies
• Ability to orally comprehend and express information and use inductive and deductive reasoning
• Ability to facilitate and adapt course and the course content
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with clients and staff, groups of various sizes
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others

Nice To Haves

• Experience with additional analytical or bioanalytical techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, proteomics, bioinformatics, bioassay-guided fractionation, and/or imaging techniques).
• Familiarity with venom libraries, toxin structure–function studies, or drug discovery pipelines.
• Statistical or computational skills relevant to biological or chemical data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret research projects related to venom-derived and other natural toxins.
• Perform chemical characterization and purification of toxins using chromatographic techniques, including HPLC.
• Conduct and analyze in vitro assays (e.g., cell-based assays, mechanistic, enzymatic, and functional assays, and biochemical analyses relevant to toxin biology).
• Perform and interpret in vivo mouse assays in compliance with institutional animal care and use protocols.
• Apply large data analysis approaches to biological, chemical, and/or omics-scale datasets to elucidate toxin mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
• Investigate toxin–host interactions, including effects on vascular, immune, or cellular signaling pathways, using appropriate in vitro /or ex vivo and in vivo models.
• Utilize flow cytometry for cellular phenotyping, functional assays, and toxin–cell interaction studies.
• Maintain and expand mammalian cell culture systems relevant to toxin research.
• Ensure the accuracy and detail of laboratory records, emphasizing rigorous data collection, documentation, and compliance with institutional biosafety, animal care regulations, and research ethics standards as applicable.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Assist with grant writing, progress reports, and other scholarly outputs.
• Provide mentorship and technical training to students or junior researchers in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and responsible conduct of research.
• Contribute to the overall research mission of the laboratory by troubleshooting experiments, optimizing protocols, and assisting with laboratory management as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse, Employee and Children, Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• On-Campus Wellness Opportunities: TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Employee Tuition Assistance Program
• Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Leave: 8+ hours of vacation per month
• Employee Leave: 8 hours of sick leave per month
• Employee Leave: 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• Employee Leave: 12-15 paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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