Research Scientist I - Brain Health Institute

UTMB Health•Galveston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist 1 will conduct interdisciplinary neuroscience research within the Neurodevelopmental Systems program of the Moody Brain Health Institute (MBHI). Under general direction, the position will contribute to assigned projects using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids and complementary cellular and animal models to study neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, neural stem cell biology, and cognitive resilience. The scientist will establish research objectives and methods; design and execute experiments; analyze and interpret data; and communicate results through reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials. Activities may include 2D and 3D cell culture, organoid generation and characterization, tau and amyloid-beta oligomer studies, imaging, and electrophysiological or functional analyses. The scientist will select and apply established techniques and adapt methods when necessary. The role requires increasing scientific independence, project-specific lead responsibilities, technical guidance and training of research personnel and trainees, and collaboration across MBHI and UTMB. Assignments will be based on program priorities, candidate expertise, and institutional needs.

Requirements

PhD in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field
Graduate-level experience designing and conducting neuroscience or biomedical research
Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and troubleshooting research methods
Evidence of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or comparable scholarly contributions, with peer recognition in progress
Experience with cell culture and/or human-relevant cellular models
Effective written and verbal communication and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated ability or potential to train or mentor students, trainees, or research personnel
Knowledge of neuroscience, neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, or a related discipline, with increasing professional achievement
Specialized expertise in human iPSC-derived models, cerebral organoids, neural stem cell biology, or related 2D/3D culture systems
Strong experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, technical, and scientific problem-solving skills
Ability to apply established scientific methods and adapt techniques when necessary
Ability to work independently under general direction and contribute to or lead assigned research activities
Effective written and oral communication, including preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant materials
Ability to train or mentor research personnel and maintain reproducible research, quality-control, biosafety, and responsible-conduct standards

Nice To Haves

Experience generating, maintaining, and characterizing human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids
Expertise in neural stem cell biology, adult neurogenesis, Alzheimer's disease, or related neurodegenerative mechanisms
Experience studying tau or amyloid-beta oligomer toxicity and cellular or circuit-level outcomes
Experience with confocal microscopy, image analysis, electrophysiology, and/or multielectrode arrays.
Experience with rodent models, stereotaxic surgery, tissue processing, and translational neuroscience
Peer-reviewed publications
Experience contributing to multidisciplinary projects and mentoring graduate students or other trainees

Responsibilities

Establish research objectives, experimental strategies, and methods for assigned projects in consultation with the supervising investigator
Design, optimize, and conduct studies using human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids, neural stem/progenitor cells, and other relevant models
Develop and characterize models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, including tau and amyloid-beta oligomer toxicity
Perform advanced workflows including sterile 2D/3D culture, microscopy, tissue processing, molecular assays, electrophysiological or functional analyses, and data acquisition
Analyze and interpret data; troubleshoot technical or scientific problems; and implement appropriate controls and quality-assurance measures
Maintain accurate experimental documentation, reproducible workflows, and compliance with safety, biosafety, and regulatory requirements
Prepare figures, reports, abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related scientific materials; communicate progress to the supervising investigator
Provide technical direction and training to research staff, students, and other trainees and oversee assigned tasks as appropriate
Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators, and support shared MBHI resources, equipment, protocols, and project planning
Review scientific literature, contribute to method development and innovation, and perform related duties as assigned