Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Biology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

The Zarin Lab at Texas A&M University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the mechanisms of heterosynaptic structural plasticity (HTSP) in neural circuits using the Drosophila larval motor system. This project focuses on how motor neurons, premotor interneurons, glia, and muscles interact to rewire circuits after perturbation, with direct relevance to neural repair following injury or neurodegeneration. The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary studies combining genetics, advanced imaging, connectomics, and quantitative analysis to uncover how intact neurons remodel and restore function in damaged circuits. In general terms, the Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will utilize the skills and expertise granted to them by their education and experience to complete research projects in their field of expertise. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles and publications. Assists with the preparation and cleaning of worksite. May collaborate with other researchers and/or faculty.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Design and execute experiments to study neural circuit plasticity using genetic perturbations (e.g., ablation, silencing, CRISPR-based tools) and in vivo/ex vivo imaging techniques (confocal, expansion microscopy, calcium imaging).

• Analyze structural and functional neural circuit data and integrate experimental findings with connectomic and computational frameworks.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (including neuroscience and robotics groups), mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, and contribute to high‑impact publications.

• Support grant writing and project development, prepare manuscripts and reports for funding agencies, and present research at national and international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

• May vary depending on area of research.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• Strong publication record in neuroscience or related disciplines

• Experience with genetic model systems.

• Neural circuit analysis or connectomics

• Florescence or live imaging (confocal, light-sheet, or similar)

• Electrophysiology or calcium imaging

• Computational analysis (MATLAB, Python, or R)

• Neurodevelopment, plasticity, or motor systems

• Excellent written and verbal skills.

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC), molecular biology, genome editing, CRISPR

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What you need to do

Apply! Submitting a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

The Department of Biology at Texas A&M University is responsible for research and teaching within the vast disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. Our faculty perform cutting-edge research in a wide array of biological sciences in the laboratory and in the field. Our graduate research programs prepare scientists for careers in academia, industry and government and enhance our understanding of the central role of biological systems in the global environment. Our undergraduate students gain a firm foundation in modern biological sciences to prepare them for a multitude of careers that depend on a solid understanding of biology. To learn more, please visit us at https://www.bio.tamu.edu/.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.