Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neuroscience

About the role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct independent research on basal ganglia and corticostriatal circuit mechanisms underlying substance use disorders and neurodegenerative disease using rodent models.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments including operant self‑administration of alcohol, cocaine or opioids in rodents.
• Perform slice electrophysiology recordings (whole‑cell patch clamp) and fiber photometry to monitor neural activity.
• Conduct stereotaxic surgeries for viral delivery, cannula, optical fiber or electrode implantation.
• Analyze electrophysiology, photometry and confocal imaging data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Prepare presentations, technical progress reports, graphs, manuscripts and rebuttal letters.

Required profile

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field.
• 1‑3 years of post‑doctoral research experience.
• Track record of first‑author publications.
• Ability to work beyond normal hours and possibly travel.

Required skills

• Rodent behavioral assays (operant self‑administration, conditioned place preference, T‑maze, Barnes maze).
• Slice electrophysiology (whole‑cell patch clamp).
• Fiber photometry and in‑vivo optogenetic/chemogenetic manipulation.
• Stereotaxic viral or drug infusion and implantation techniques.
• Confocal microscopy, image analysis with Imaris.
• Data analysis using statistical software.

What we offer

• Competitive monthly salary of $4,166.67.
• Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid holidays, sick leave and vacation time.
• Retirement benefits through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Professional development resources including LinkedIn Learning and conference support.