Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Job Summary

The Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies at UT Dallas has an opening for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join the Yousuf Lab.

This specific position will work on NIH grant funded projects that are aimed at understanding the mechanisms and treatments of chronic pain in preclinical models.

The applicant should have experience working with rodents and performing behavior assays, surgeries, and dissections. The applicant should also have experience with cell culture work with a focus on generating and maintaining primary cultures using rodent and human dorsal root ganglia.

The applicant should also have experience in routine molecular biology techniques like Western blotting, PCR, immunohistochemistry and / or microscopy.

Experience with electrophysiology or live-cell imaging techniques like calcium imaging is also essential. Experience with bioinformatics or computational tools for biology is optional but highly valued.

The Research Associate will plan, conduct, and direct a wide variety of experiments and simulations using advanced equipment and applying complex techniques, methods, and procedures.

They’re responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of research data, for planning and executing the details of experiments according to research protocol.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD degree in Neuroscience or related field
• Technical knowledge of molecular biology methods (e.g. Western blotting, PCR, nucleic acid purification), cell biology techniques (e.

g. cell culture, microscopy), cell-based functional assays (e.g. electrophysiology, live-cell imaging)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties & Responsibilities :

• Lead and run experiments under the supervision of the PI
• Provide technical and research support for key laboratory personnel
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory
• Responsible for the careful documentation of the experimental procedures and results they generate
• Draft manuscripts detailing their experiments
• Help maintain lab equipment and SOPs
• Troubleshoot and address technical problems as well as summarize and present results
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

• Demonstrate proactivity, independence, and creativity
• Motivation to learn and master new methods and techniques
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff
• Ability to record and report results with clarity
• Persistence, attention to details, and willingness to troubleshoot technical challenges

Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information Work Notice

Work will be performed on-site and in person. What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including :

Competitive Salary

Tuition Benefits

Internal Training

Medical insurance including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long and short-term disability

Retirement Plan Options

Paid time off

Paid Holidays All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities , including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs.

Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences.

UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

The University has a variety of programs and initiatives to support engagement and success for all members of the campus community.

Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources. LilyPad lactation facilities are located throughout the campus.

There are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.

g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals).

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore.

UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.