Postdoctoral Research Fellow - IMM, Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology at UTHealth in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - IMM, Center for Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology

A postdoctoral position is available immediately at The Institute of Molecular Medicine of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). The position involves studies on central mechanisms of feeding, energy homeostasis and glucose homeostasis. A recent PhD in biology or a related field is required. Highly motivated individuals with experience in animal physiology, molecular biology and neuroscience are desired. The ideal candidates should be skilled in handling animals, mouse genetics, brain anatomy and basic biochemical methods. Projects will be centered on mapping and understanding neurocircuitry in the brain controlling body weight, feeding and related stress and anxiety behaviors using advanced tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo Ca2+ imaging, stereotaxic viral delivery and mouse genetics. Salary and benefits will follow National Institutes of Health and UTHealth guidelines. The Tong lab is located in the Institute of Molecular Medicine of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. UTHealth Houston is one of the several institutions located at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center (TMC). The vast resources within the TMC make it an ideal place to facilitate the success of projects, provide avenues for collaborations with other laboratories and nurture career development. Please refer to our recent publications (Xu et al., Cell Metabolism 2013; Mangieri et al., Nature Communications 2018; Xu et al., Nature Communications 2019; Cassidy et al. Science Advances 2019; Zhu et al., Nature Metabolism 2020; and Fan et al., Nature Communications, 2021) for specific research directions in the lab. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas' resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 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)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary:

A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
2. Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
3. Reads and evaluates literature.
4. Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
5. Have strong written and oral communication skills.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

A recent PhD in biology or a related field is required.
Description of Qualified Candidates:

Highly motivated individuals with experience in animal physiology, molecular biology and neuroscience are desired. The ideal candidates should be skilled in handling animals, mouse genetics, brain anatomy and basic biochemical methods. Projects will be centered on mapping and understanding neurocircuitry in the brain controlling body weight, feeding and related stress and anxiety behaviors using advanced tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo Ca2+ imaging, stereotaxic viral delivery and mouse genetics.

Minimum Education:

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

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.

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