Research Scientist-CNG--The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine (Finance)

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• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time - all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
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• Free financial and legal counseling
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• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic team focused on uncovering the neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavioral flexibility. This position centers on investigating how the brain adapts behavior in response to complex environmental contexts, including stress and conflicting approach-avoidance scenarios. Our lab employs a powerful suite of cutting-edge techniques, including chemogenetics, optogenetics, in vivo fiber photometry, miniscope calcium imaging at single-cell resolution, intersectional genetics, and advanced behavioral assays.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in biology or a related field, with a strong background in neuroscience and hands-on experience in rodent studies. Proficiency in animal handling, mouse genetics, and stereotaxic surgeries is highly desirable.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact research in a collaborative environment. Interested candidates are encouraged to review our recent publications (Xu et al., Cell Metabolism 2013; Xu et al., Nature Communications 2019; Xu et al., Cell Reports 2023; Cai et al., Neuron 2024) for more insight into our research direction.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Determines feasibility of possible projects to ensure results will have a significant impact. Determines project feasibility in terms of staff, time, and resources.

Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and other biomedical, dental, or related scientific areas. Identifies the problem through contact with other researchers, practicing physicians, or literature searches. Formulates a problem or project to research. Designs procedures to solve the problem.

Conducts experiments using advanced equipment and applying complex techniques. Procedures may include tissue culture, protein purification, enzyme purification, enzyme assays, membrane protein purification, monoclonal antibody analysis, cytogenic analysis, gel electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, immunofluorescent method, radioimmunoassays, biometry, biofeedback, neurotransmitter analysis, biospectrometry, microtomy, liquid, gas and thin layer chromatography, microspectrophotometry, tissue processing, tissue staining, behavioral testing, anesthetic dosage, neurohistochemistry, animal surgery, immunochemistry, gel electrophoresis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, electron microscopy, and biophysical assays and measurements.

Designs experimental procedures, which may involve examining new techniques, that may improve existing analysis and provide additional capabilities.

Evaluates the data from the analysis.

Presents results in a written paper for publication, in a presentation at a meeting, or through personal contact with faculty members and other researchers.

Maintains lab equipment, assists in necessary repairs, and promotes a safe laboratory environment. Ensures direct reports follow safety procedures and attends basic safety training courses.

Provides work direction and guidance to personnel within department. May lead projects and activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

None.

Minimum Education:

Doctorate Degree.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in a related research environment and have verifiable publications within the field of the research project.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.