Primary Work Address: 1 Baylor Plaza, Room S101, Houston, TX, 77030

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About the role:

Postdoctoral fellows will independently lead and implement research projects with guidance from the PI. Associates will perform a variety of research experiments and intellectually contribute to project development. They will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, developing new experimental protocols when required, recording results and conclusions of experiments, analyzing and interpreting their data and preparing research reports.  Additionally, they are expected to periodically present their work and publish manuscripts. They will also be encouraged to work collaboratively and sometimes mentor more junior trainees. Associates’ appointments are tied to a research program directed by the Investigator.   

About Department/Lab:

This position is available in the lab of Dr. Kara Marshall in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. The lab will study mechanisms of internal mechanosensation in health and disease. Sensory neurons that detect mechanical force are critical for a variety of physiological processes, like blood pressure regulation, digestion, and urination. The lab uses genetic mouse models and a wide range of techniques, including microscopy, calcium imaging, physiological measurements and behavioral testing to identify how the peripheral and central nervous system encode mechanical cues and to understand how they impact physiology and behavior. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming lab environment from people of all backgrounds and identities.

This position is located at the main Baylor College of Medicine campus, in the Texas Medical Center in the Department of Neuroscience. The Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine has approximately 58 research groups using cutting edge techniques and excellent core resources to better understand a wide variety of questions in neuroscience. The college is located within the largest medical center in the world, which provides many opportunities for collaboration and cutting-edge resources. The department hosts yearly retreats and a seminar series that brings in speakers from around the country.

What we provide:

• Opportunity to work in a small, diverse, and encouraging research environment.
• One-on-one mentorship
• Career development guidance based on individual goals
• Training in writing and oral science communication
• Opportunities for attending research conferences and training courses
• Flexible schedule

What you’ll do:

• Develop and manage research projects independently and in collaboration with others
• Perform detailed experimental observations, analyze data, and interpret results 
• Maintain detailed records of your experiments and data.  
• Exercise technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments that contribute to project strategies.   
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and performs quantitative analyses. 
• Investigates, creates, and develops new methods and technologies for project advancement. 
• Maintains high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.  
• May participate in scientific conferences and contribute to scientific journals.  
• Uses professional concepts in accordance with HHMI’s objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. 
• May provide guidance, training, or mentorship to other laboratory members. 

In addition to the duties specifically identified by this job description, the position will include other duties if and as assigned by the direct supervisor or others with supervisory authority over this position. 

Scope

• May supervise the activities of other staff within the laboratory  
• Shares responsibility for results of their own work and the project team.  Intermediate term impact:  Individual will be self-sufficient and able to manage research projects. 

What we need from you:

Education 

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience or a related scientific discipline.

Experience 

• At least five years of experience working in a scientific laboratory. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles  

• Exercises independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results 

• Ability to plan out and perform complex experiments with high reliability and accuracy, within time constraints 
• Ability to use quantitative methods to analyze and plot data
• Previous work with mouse models is preferred

• Operational knowledge of advanced lab equipment and care taken in learning the operation of new equipment is required

• Ability to provide constructive input to and supervise others 

• Ability to initiate and compose scientific communications for internal and external purposes 

• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and collegial environment and foster this in others. 
• Willingness to explore new areas and apply new scientific knowledge to a project. 

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer