POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW POSITION IN MOVEMENT DISORDERS
We seek a motivated Ph.D., or M.D., to join the Department of Neurology at UTHealth Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX.

We are 1 of 55 Huntington’s Disease Society of American Centers of Excellence and the only one in Texas!

Our research focuses on understanding the causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments for neurological conditions that affect movement control, such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, Huntington’s disease, and others, by investigating aspects like brain pathology, genetic factors, neurotransmitter imbalances, and potential therapeutic interventions to improve patient’s quality of life.
The ideal candidate will work on observational trials in patients with movement disorders, especially the study "Olfactory dysfunction in Huntington's disease (HD)." The major goal of this study is to evaluate olfaction in patients with HD and determine if olfactory changes correlate with known clinical manifestations of HD and markers of disease pathophysiology. You will also collaborate on other observational and interventional trials, such as the Enroll-HD and the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC-PD) studies.

As a postdoctoral research fellow, the primary responsibilities will include:
• Planning, conducting, and directing research grants and clinical trials in patients with movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Recruit and interview patients with Huntington’s and Parkinson's diseases and healthy controls.
• Assist in the clinical evaluation of our patients, including the collection and processing of blood and/or saliva samples for analysis.
• Responsible for collecting, storing, and maintaining study information in RedCap.
• Recording and analyzing de-identified data from our clinical research study.
• Administer validated scales to collect neuropsychiatric data.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and international, national, and local meetings.
• Adhere to the unit's internal rules and biosafety procedures.
• Apply for fellowship grants.
• Performs other duties as required.
In consultation with the faculty mentors, develop a milestone-driven training plan to reach the career goals and objectives and evaluate the progress every 6 months.

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 Education:

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Individuals must have a Ph.D. or M.D.

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.