Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dravid Lab

🔬 Be part of the science behind tomorrow’s treatments 

The laboratory of  Dr. Shashank Dravid is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the team working on cutting-edge projects driving discoveries that could shape future treatments and improve lives! Dravid lab has recently identified ligand for the orphan glutamate delta-1 receptor opening a new area for structure-function analysis (PMID: 42270762). In addition, Dravid lab is working on the role of glutamate delta 1 in pain pathways and basal ganglia circuits with novel drug discovery approaches (PMID: 41345253). The lab is also interested in understanding the role of NMDA receptor in astrocytes and interneurons (PMID: 37004850; 35867797). The lab utilizes brain slice and cellular electrophysiology, structure-function analysis, circuit studies, drug discovery and behavioral approaches.  

What You’ll Do 

• Conduct and support research project within your specialized field of expertise 

• Collect, analyze, and interpret research data  

• Write and contribute to research papers, articles, and publications 

• Mentor and supervise student researchers and graduate students  

• Prepare presentations for groups 

• Publish research findings in peer reviewed journals 

Why Join Us? 

• Build your publication record and professional network 

• Collaborate in a supportive, innovative research environment 

• Gain experience with neuroscience techniques 

• Contribute to research with the real potential to improve lives 

Minimum Qualifications: Appropriate PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, or related areas 

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience in brain slice or cellular electrophysiology, confocal and super-res imaging of synapse structures, structural biology including cryo-EM and drug discovery workflows including computational analysis, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills and analytical thinking, and a high level of attention to detail. 

What you need to know 

Salary: Will be commensurate based on the selected hire’s education and experience.  

Schedule: May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours. 

Travel: May travel as required. 

Please Note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.  

Special Instructions: A cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor) are strongly recommended. You may upload all three on the application under CV/Resume or upon answering the questionnaire you may attach the documents. 

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 

Mentoring 

• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project 

Presentations 

• Prepare 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. 

 
Publications 

• Compile reports for publication and funded or future grant applications. 

• Publishes research findings in peer reviewed journals. 

Why Texas A&M University?    

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.    

• 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   

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees  

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume’ or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.