Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Toney Lab

Agency

Texas A&M University Health Science Center

Department

Medical Physiology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

Who we are

As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, Texas A&M Health encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery.

What we want

The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of laboratory worksites. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty.

What you need to know

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

Location: Bryan, TX; May travel as required

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

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

Apply! Submitting a cover letter, resume/CV to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents to the application under CV/Resume.

Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Lab Specific Duties

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.

Mentoring

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

Presentations

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.

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 prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site