Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Pediatrics

UTHealth Houston • Houston, TX

6h

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work in the Li Lab in the Department of Pediatrics at the Pediatric Research Center, which conducts research to identify the causes of birth defects and develop prevention and treatment strategies. The fellow will conduct laboratory and computational research into craniofacial development and congenital diseases using mouse models, genomics, bioinformatics, machine learning, and single-cell technologies. Projects include orofacial clefting, transcriptional regulation, alternative splicing, and in utero therapies.

The role provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop independent research skills and contribute to scientific knowledge. The fellow plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, prepares publications, assists with training and mentoring lab personnel, evaluates scientific literature, and contributes to presentations and grant applications. The position requires effective collaboration and strong written and oral communication. Other duties may be assigned. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas. This is a security-sensitive position subject to the conditions described in the posting.

Requirements

• Hold, or expect to receive, a PhD in developmental biology, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Doctoral/terminal degree.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
• For positions requiring research, work, or access to critical infrastructure, be able to maintain its security or integrity; the posting notes that security-sensitive personnel may be routinely reviewed.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with mouse models, organoid culture, and/or microinjection.
• Strong experimental, analytical, or computational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments.
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare publications describing results.
• Analyze and interpret data.
• Advance research projects involving orofacial clefting, transcriptional regulation, alternative splicing, and in utero therapies.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, publications, and grant applications.
• Assist in training and mentoring lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
• Read and evaluate scientific literature.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
• Around 37–38 days per year of time off, including holidays, a preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time.
• Vacation accrual increases with tenure.
• Retirement/pension plan.
• Free financial and legal counseling.
• Free mental health counseling services.
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
• Employee discounts, including entertainment, car rentals, and cell phones.
• Resources for child and elder care.

What This Job Offers

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