Research Associate Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Appropriate PhD, MD, or DVM in a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following (i) whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics in brain slices (ii) in vivo single neuron recording to include surgical isolation of peripheral nerve signals from postganglionic sympathetic fibers and/or phrenic fibers, (iii) live cell imaging of genetically encoded reporters (calcium, chloride, potassium, voltage, etc.) with photo-uncaging drug delivery.
• Ability to exhibit ambition and urgency in achieving near- and long-term career success, especially in pursuit of high-quality publications and extramural fellowship training support.
• Ability to exhibit continuous intellectual ownership of the assigned research project.

Responsibilities

• Research Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.
• Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete research projects in their field of expertise.
• Assists with the preparation and cleaning of the worksite.
• Analyzes research data and summarizes results.
• Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.
• Perform mouse and/or rat experiments utilizing ex vivo and/or in vivo electrophysiological methods appropriate to the project objectives and based on the prevailing and evolving hypothesis.
• Integrate optogenetic and/or chemogenetic (DREADDs) methodologies that complement and extend evidence generated in electrophysiological experiments.
• Perform site-specific stereotaxic surgery to deliver drugs, neuronal tracers and/or viral vectors to manipulate functional brain circuits.
• Expose rats and/or mice to chronic intermittent hypoxic hypercapnia to model sleep apnea.
• Perform experiments investigating mechanisms to treat respiratory depression by fentanyl and/or other prescribed or abused opiates.
• Ensure that laboratory data records, tissue samples and experimental reagents are carefully maintained and that all applicable institutional data security and laboratory safety protocols are followed.
• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.
• Prepares presentation materials on research topics that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
• Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.

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