The Ma lab (https://med.uth.edu/nba/2022/11/03/keran-ma-phd/) at the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, University of Health Science Center at Houston is seeking a motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow. We aim to understand neuron-glia interactions and cellular dysfunction underlying behavioral disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease at the molecular, cellular, circuit and network levels. We are interested in understanding neuronal functional deficits and modulation of neuronal activity by microglia and astrocytes in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. We employ advanced state-of-the-art tools in in vivo electrophysiology (including Neuropixels probes) and multi-photon imaging in awake behaving mice, virtual reality behavioral paradigms, machine learning, and RNA sequencing to address our research questions. We use optogenetics, genetic manipulation, fluorescent calcium, voltage, and neurotransmitter biosensors as well as pharmacological intervention to visualize and modulate specific neuronal and glial functions to gain further mechanistic insight for therapeutic interventions.

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.

A strong background in neuroscience, neurobiology, or a related field is preferred. The successful candidate will be trained in advanced systems neuroscience tools. Experience in in vivo electrophysiology/optogenetics, in vivo multi-photon imaging, behavioral testing, and/or Matlab/Python-based data analysis is a plus.

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 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.