Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacology in Galveston, Texas at University of Texas Medical Branch

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D., M.D. or Doctoral equivalent in any field. Scientific research experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct, report and present research in his/her field of study under the supervision of a faculty mentor. This is a training position, and is not expected to be a permanent position. Functioning independently, the Postdoctoral Researcher will design, organize and conduct highly specialized and advanced experiments using established scientific protocols and procedures and, in some cases, designing new protocols; summarize findings and publish results in research journals; assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory; provide supervision and guidance to junior technicians, students, and researchers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design and conduct cellular and molecular neuroscience experiments.
  
• Perform whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize neuronal excitability and ion-channel function.
  
• Perform calcium imaging and quantitative analysis of neuronal responses.
  
• Establish and maintain primary neuronal cultures and other mammalian cell culture systems, as applicable to laboratory projects.
  
• Apply molecular biology approaches including PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and RNA in situ hybridization.
  
• Conduct quantitative imaging and microscopy studies, including confocal microscopy.
  
• Analyze electrophysiological, imaging, molecular, and behavioral datasets using appropriate analytical and statistical software.
  
• Contribute to studies examining mechanisms of neuronal excitability and potential therapeutic targets.
  
• Assist with experimental design, assay development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
  
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, scientific presentations, and grant-related materials.
  
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and federal research requirements.
  
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
  
• Assist with training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other trainees.
  
• Participate in laboratory, departmental, and project meetings.
  

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Knowledge in the relevant scientific discipline with increasing professional achievement.
• Specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject area, which may allow for project specific lead responsibilities
• Peer Recognition in progress.
• Data Analysis
• Technical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical discipline.
  
• Experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology.
  
• Experience with calcium imaging and neuronal cell culture.
  
• Experience investigating neuronal excitability, receptors, or ion channels.
  
• Experience with molecular biology methods, including PCR, molecular cloning, immunocytochemistry, and/or RNA in situ hybridization.
  
• Experience with primary neuronal cultures and/or human-derived neuronal preparations.
  
• Experience with quantitative microscopy and image analysis.
  
• Experience with rodent models and basic behavioral assays is desirable.
  
• Strong experimental design, quantitative analysis, and troubleshooting skills.
  
• Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publication.
  
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.
  
• Experience mentoring or training students is desirable.
  

SALARY:
Commensurate with experience using the NIH standard.