Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

UTHealth Houston • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

Dr. Navonil Banerjee in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at McGovern Medical School is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Banerjee lab. The lab studies how host-derived chemical cues drive helminth parasitism at cellular, molecular, and organismal levels, investigating how human-parasitic helminths detect, interpret, and use host-derived chemical signals to establish infections.

This biomedical postdoctoral position offers early-career researchers the opportunity to gain experience, develop independent research skills, learn cutting-edge techniques, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Candidates should be motivated, detail-oriented, collaborative, and able to work independently with minimal supervision in a multidisciplinary, diverse group. The role emphasizes grant writing, scientific communication, collaboration, and career development.

The position requires a doctoral or terminal degree: a recent PhD or equivalent in biology or a related scientific field, or candidacy for a PhD expected soon. Preferred experience includes molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, biochemical assays, genomics, or transcriptomics. Prior experience with helminths, including C. elegans, is desired but not required. The work includes laboratory conditions at BSL2 and handling rodents. Employees must permanently reside and work in Texas. This is a security-sensitive position.

Requirements

• Doctoral or terminal degree: a recent PhD or equivalent in biology or a related scientific field, or a candidate who is soon to complete a PhD.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a multidisciplinary, diverse group.
• Work under BSL2 laboratory conditions.
• Handle rodents.
• Permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.
• Meet the security requirements applicable to this security-sensitive position.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following: molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, biochemical assays, genomics, or transcriptomics.
• Prior experience working with helminths, including C. elegans, is desired but not required.
• Strong grant-writing and scientific communication skills, collaborative approach, and interest in career development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare publications describing results.
• Assist in training and mentoring laboratory personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
• Read and evaluate relevant literature.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Develop new projects for possible grant proposal submission and collaborate with other faculty members; these activities are strongly encouraged.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
• Generous time off, including holidays, a preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time, totaling around 37–38 days per year.
• Increasing vacation accrual with longer service.
• 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